Faf du Plessis banks on Proteas batters in India

South Africa, who kicks off their campaign against Sri Lanka on Saturday, have never advanced past the semifinals of a major tournament despite fielding formidable lineups. Speaking to SABC Sport, Du Plessis argues although they are flying under the radar, they still have the weapons needed for success in India.

"Our white ball team is in a really good place. I think they don't go as the favourites but they go as one of the dangerous teams," he claimed.

"The difficulty with World Cups now is there's probably six teams that can win a World Cup. So, South Africa goes there as one of them. I think it's really important for us the way that we start, confidence is tournaments like this is crucial," du Plessis said.

That said, however, the Proteas legend concedes the loss of Anrich Nortje, who can bowl at over 150km/h does pose a challenge. Nortje has years of playing in India through the Indian Premier League, but was withdrawn from the Proteas' World Cup squad only three days before they left for the competition, due to injury.

"I think Nortje is a little bit of a setback, his injury having him there would have been that x-factor but I still think there's enough there. We've got a very strong batting lineup. If we start well then, we'll be there in the semis," he added.

Titans bowler Lizaad Williams took Norjte’s place, while all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo came in for the injured Sisanda Magala. Du Plessis is convinced Phehlukwayo's cameo in the series win over Australia at Wanderers recently opened this door for him. 

"Andy's last innings would have given him a shoe-in. I think before the innings maybe he wouldn't have been part of the radar of players that was looking to go but obviously that last innings couldn't have happened at a better time for him.

"Which is important for him as well I feel like he's just fallen a little bit off the radar for two years and I've always believed Andy is a very good player," he explained.

Du Plessis was already in the Proteas set-up when Phehlukwayo made his international debut at the age of 20, after leading the Dolphins in 20-over wicket-taking in the 2015/16 season. He’s since fallen down the pecking order, but du Plessis insists there's something special about him.

"Hopefully this is the Andi 2.0 comeback, never write someone off so hopefully this tournament will be one for him. I've always believed he does like big moments, so hopefully this is it for him."