When South Africa began the World Cup by being blown away for 69 by England, it was natural to wonder whether they really were serious contenders for the title. But, since that catastrophic start, they have put on one hell of a campaign. They have now won five games in a row - four of those comfortably, only one match going into the final over.

In the rain-affected match against Pakistan on Tuesday, South Africa's batters put on their highest World Cup score ever, hitting 312 for 9. What's more, they only had 40 overs in which to make those runs. The 312 is also the highest total at the Khettarama this World Cup by 54 runs.

Senior allrounder Marizanne Kapp , who hit 68 not out off 43 balls, said afterwards that a host of players had stepped their game up to make this turnaround

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