Cricket World Cup | Proteas ready for Australia showdown

KOLKATA - Proteas captain Temba Bavuma is eager to lead his country in the Cricket World Cup semi-final.

South Africa face old foes Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata for a place in Sunday's final.

The Proteas have had the upper hand in the last four encounters between the sides, including a round robin triumph in the early stages of the competition.

But Bavuma knows they have to be on top of their game if they are to book a date with the hosts India.

"Australia have a lot of experience and confidence in knockout games like this, so we've got to respect that," he said.

Meanwhile, Australia are quietly hoping that the cursed "chokers" tag continues to haunt the Proteas.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins said his players will draw on experience from previous title wins in their World Cup semi-final clash.

"We'll turn up, expect to play a 50-over match tomorrow, any of that shifts on us well. I'm sure in real time we can kind of adjust as needed," said Cummins.

- Additional reporting AFP