South Africa have a history of failing to deliver at World Cups, progressing no further than the semi-final stage at both the 50-overs event and the T20 version.
In Australia they will hope the potentially destructive batting of Quinton de Kock and David Miller can deliver consistently, while Rilee Rossouw has made a positive return to the team and 22-year-old Tristan Stubbs has emerged as a top prospect.
But it is their highly regarded bowling attack which offers them a real chance of success. Image credit: T20 World CupMarco Jansen has been added to a squad that already includes Indian Premier League regulars Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, taking the place of the injured Dwaine Pretorius. "Australia will suit our fast bowlers," said coach Mark Boucher. "We have got some good pace, some good bounce in our attack, so we need to keep the aggression there." Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi have proven an excellent foil and are ranked among the top 10 T20 bowlers by the International Cricket Council.
While there is plenty of cause for optimism, South Africa go into the tournament with their captain Temba Bavuma out of form.