Proteas target India scalp in Southampton
Proteas captain Faf Du Plessis believes six wins from nine games will be enough to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Cup.
South Africa are zero from two and with seven games remaining it means they have to start winning and quickly.
With their backs to the wall after defeats to England and Bangladesh, beating India at the Hampshire Oval is exactly what they need to kick-start their campaign.
“I said six games is the target, so with seven games left, it would be great if we can start that tomorrow,” Du Plessis said.
“There’s no easy games anymore in a World Cup. We have seen that Bangladesh played unbelievable cricket the previous game.”
“And I think we need to try and start that tomorrow but yes, six games is still the overall goal.”
READ: Dale Steyn ruled out of Cricket World Cup
Injuries have played a big part with Hashim Amla (concussion) missing the Bangladesh game, Lungi Ngidi (hamstring) sidelined for the next two matches and Dale Steyn (shoulder) sent home.
Beuran Hendricks replaces Steyn but will only arrive in Southampton on Wednesday.
The only bit of good news at Du Plessis's pre-match press conference was the confirmation of Amla's fitness.
In contrast to India who have not played a World Cup game yet, Du Plessis has had to deal with a myriad of issues but promised that his side would continue to fight.
“Whether it is winning or losing, the main thing is getting to the semi-finals. We haven't started well. It is our skills that need to be upgraded. It is nothing else.”
“If we can deliver our skills, we will be in good positions. We will win games of cricket. At the moment, we haven't been there so, hopefully, it's a case of us getting better every game,” Du Plessis concluded.
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