Aiden Markram takes cautious approach against New Zealand in semi-finals

South Africa got the better of the Black Caps in the group stages of the competition by 7 wickets, on the way to their 100 percent winning record heading into the knockout phase. 

Markram – who top scored with 86 not out in that game – says a lot has happened since then and their opponents have proven their mettle at the tournament.

"New Zealand are a quality team. They have proved that for many years now, and we had a good run out against them in the group stages but both teams have played a lot of cricket since then so it will be a completely fresh start.

"I don't think it's as straightforward as simply repeating the result because there are a lot of variables in this game, but the boys are very excited for the opportunity to play a semi-final against a team like New Zealand," said the skipper.

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Markram says although this is a must-win match for them, they will be keeping things simple and sticking to what has worked for them so far. He added that they have to put trust in the things they have been doing well and not change anything.

He also indicated that good decision-making and smart cricket is what has worked for them to remain the only unbeaten side at the World Cup.

"It has all just come down to making really good decisions under pressure. We've got a lot of great experience in the group. Quinny (de Kock) reads conditions very well from behind the stumps and that makes a massive difference for us. 

"We get that from a lot of guys in the group, and then we come up with plans from there. We don't try complicate it too much, we just try to get a feel for the conditions as quick as we can and then we back those plans for the innings."

The match will be played at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, a venue the Proteas have not played at in this tournament. He says they will assess the conditions before selecting their team to do the job on the day.