TIME FOR PROTEAS TO FIRE?

Tournaments like these are never won on paper, but South Africa can lay claim to one of the most exciting squads landing on Australian soil. It seems hardly believable that they have reached the semi-finals just once – in 2014.

In Dane van Niekerk, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Chloe Tryon and Shabnim Ismail, there is a core as strong as most of their rivals.

Only 10 players have scored more runs in this competition than van Niekerk, while Ismail is its third-highest wicket-taker.

MUST DO BETTER

Five defeats out of 12 is hardly the kind of form South Africa would have wanted through 2019, with a T20 World Cup around the corner.

Much is expected of this side, with Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail and Lizelle Lee all part of an impressive squad.

RECENT RESULTS (most recent last - to Feb 1): WLWLWWLLLW

MIXED BAG

South Africa are dark horses coming into this year’s tournament, given a line-up that includes Dane van Niekerk, Marizanne Kapp, Sune Luus, Lizelle Lee, Mignon du Preez, Chloe Tryon and Shabnim Ismail.

Yet, they have little previous form to fall back upon. It is hard to even begin to comprehend the Proteas’ history in this competition – perennial underachievers hardly does justice to their struggles.

Only once – in 2014 – have they made it beyond the group stage. They have won just eight games in six tournaments. Given the quality of player available, that is a miserable statistic that is sure to improve.

WORLD CUP RECORD

2009: First round

2010: First round

2012: First round

2014: Semi-finals

2016: First round

2018: First round