Rassie van der Dussen insists Proteas are only focused on beating England

Van der Dussen was one of the stars of the show for the hosts as he stroked 111 in a 27-run victory over the world champions in the first of three ODIs in Bloemfontein on Friday.

The Proteas' poor form over the last two years has left them a mountain to climb to ensure a place in the top eight of the ICC Super League and automatic qualification into the global tournament that takes place in India later this year.

Temba Bavuma's charges have to beat England in the current series and then follow it up with victory over the Netherlands in two matches to be played later this season.

If they do not get the desired results the Proteas will be forced to play in a qualification tournament in Zimbabwe that will feature a number of Associate nations.

"Whenever you beat England, it gives you great confidence. They're the world champions, and the way they've been playing over the past few years, it's a feather in your cap to beat them," said Van der Dussen.

"We're not really thinking about qualification. Whatever happens, we'll deal with it. If we need to go qualify, we'll do it.

"If we end up winning enough games for automatic qualification, then that's great. We're taking it game by game.

"The resolve we shown, especially with all the excitement of the SA20, the guys came out and re-focused. It was unbelievable."

The home side can seal the three-match series when they take on England in the second ODI also in Bloemfontein on Sunday.