African neighbors will move the action further in Group C when South Africa take on Zimbabwe on Thursday. This will be the fourth match of the tournament, and second in Hambantota.
South Africa have arrived as one of the pre-tournament favorites and have been fairly consistent in the past year or so.
It is this build up that gives captain AB de Villiers the belief that the team will finally be able to rid itself of the chokers tag and come out on top.
Their first challenge is not that major with Zimbabwe being a struggling side at best in recent years.
Moreover, their recent series against England ended in a draw even though the Proteas retained an upper hand through most part of it.
The team has a balanced line up with several players capable of turning the game on its head.
The only slight concern lies over Albie Morkel’s availability who seemed to be suffering from back spasms during the warm up match against New Zealand and left the field after bowling nine deliveries.
In their only warm up match, South Africa won by nine runs with captain de Villiers and fast bowler Dale Steyn starring in their roles.
Zimbabwe, on the other hand, could become the first team to return home should they lose on Thursday.
Their campaign got off to a dreadful start as they slumped to an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka on Tuesday. The bowling looked toothless and the team also lagged behind in delivering overs on time.
The batsmen will also need to pull their socks up after their slow but solid start was quickly undone by Ajantha Mendis’ six-wicket haul. Hamilton Masakadza was the top scorer and yet again most of the batting hopes will pin on his shoulders.
The match will be played in Hambantota.