The Proteas are braced for their crucial ICC T20 World Cup semi-final against Afghanistan in Trinidad & Tobago on Thursday.

The unbeaten Proteas will face a team they have seldom played against and by their own admission there is pressure on them.

For South Africa it’s important to only focus on the Afghans and not even think about the final yet.

The Proteas coach, Rob Walter, said they have to earn their spot in the possible final.

“Pretty obvious, isn't it? Yeah, one step at a time,” said Walter.

“To make it into a final would obviously be great for the side, certainly as the as head coach I hope that that is written in our destiny.

“There's a lot of players in this team who deserve to be part of that showpiece. But the game doesn't owe anyone anything, right?

“We have to go and earn the opportunity to be there.”

Walter added that their opponents cannot be underestimated at all that they will have to be treated with the respect they deserve for reaching the semi-finals.

“I think they are a well-rounded team. Gone are the days where there is an area of the team that is not strong.

“They wouldn't be in a semi-final if that was the case. You're talking about some world-class spinners. Everyone knows about the world-class spinners led by Rashid Khan. He's a top-class T20 spinner anywhere in the world.

“But as I said, it's not a one-man show anymore - that's for sure.

“The opening pairing, statistically, have been outstanding in this tournament alone and so yeah, I mean they're a well-rounded side with great experience and have played some very good cricket in the last couple of games to actually make a semi-final. They're there for a reason.”

Thursday’s big semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Stadium gets underway at 2:30am.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport