Johannesburg – The Proteas are preparing for a spin onslaught from India in the semi-final of the ICC World Twenty20 in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Friday.
The South Africans held a training session on Tuesday afternoon and set about honing their skills and strategy ahead of the clash against their sub-continent rivals.
“We know it's going to be a big challenge for us,” Proteas player JP Duminy said.
“Their spinners have been doing exceptionally well in this tournament, but I think we have the armoury to put in a big performance against their spinners.
“We know what to expect. We have played against them a number of times and we have had good success against them.
“We know it's semi-final time in a World Cup. It doesn't get bigger than this, so we are going to have to produce something good.”
The Proteas' Imran Tahir is the second-highest wicket-taker of the tournament with 11 scalps, followed by India's Amit Mishra with nine.
Dew has not been a factor in the matches played in Dhaka, but the wickets have been conducive to spin compared to the seam-friendly environment in Chittagong.
“The conditions here are different,” Duminy said.
“There isn't much dew around and the wicket takes a bit more turn.
“We are going to have to prepare accordingly. We know we are predominately going to face spin against India.”
The Proteas are still on a high after their performances in the group stages, particularly their convincing win against England to seal their semi-final spot.
Those performances, however, will count for nothing on Friday, as both teams start from zero with an opportunity for a place in the final.
Duminy said all that counted now was performing on the day.
“We are up for the challenge and hopefully we will come out on top.
“The highs you have gone through during the tournament count for nothing now.
“Yes, you will take confidence from a lot of performances but in the end it comes down to putting in the performance on the day.”
Sapa