Zimbabwe's darlings versus South Africa's juggernaut

We started with three African teams at the men's T20 World Cup. Now there are two, and soon there will be one.

Namibia were the first to go, losing all four of their group games. The going was always going to be tough for them.

But Zimbabwe surprised immensely, beating Oman, Australia, and Sri Lanka to storm into the Super Eights. They would have fancied their chance against Ireland, but that match was washed out.

Zimbabwean cricket has emerged into the light after years of instability. Brian Bennett, dismissed just once in five innings, could yet be named Player of the Tournament. He may have batted his way into an IPL contract. Might that also be the case for Blessing Muzarabani, who is second on the wicket-takers' list?

What isn't in question is that Zimbabwe will be on their way home after their match against South Africa in Delhi on Sunday. Sikandar Raza's side have been the darlings of the World Cup, but they lost their Super Eights games against West Indies and India and are out.

South Africa have been the tournament's juggernaut. They are the only unbeaten side and are safely in the semifinals. The sole instance of them being stretched was when they needed two super overs to scrape past Afghanistan.

They are heavily favoured to be too strong for the visibly flagging Zimbabweans, whose best hope might be that South Africa, not needing to win, won't. But this South African team seems better organised and settled than any others from their country at a World Cup.

When: Sunday, March 1 at 3:00 PM Local Time
Where: Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi
What to expect: Chasing teams have won four of the five matches at this venue, with an average first innings score of 160. With their semifinal place secured, South Africa might rotate their squad.

South Africa Probable XI: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, Jason Smith, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka

Zimbabwe Probable XI: Tadiwanashe Marumani (wk), Brian Bennett, Dion Myers, Sikandar Raza (c), Ryan Burl, Tony Munyonga, Tashinga Musekiwa, Brad Evans, Tinotenda Maposa, Blessing Muzarabani, Richard Ngarava

Head-to-head:

• South Africa have won three of their four completed World Cup matches (ODI and T20) against Zimbabwe.
• Zimbabwe's only win in World Cup games against South Africa was at Chelmsford in 1999.

Quotes:
"You've got to respect the opposition. They've done their bit to qualify for the Super Eights… But we want to ensure that we maintain our discipline and intensity." – South Africa's batting coach Ashwell Prince.

"I don't think it was the case that we figured we had done enough. We still wanted to get some more done. Unfortunately, that has not happened. The guys are still learning." – Zimbabwe's bowling consultant Courtney Walsh.