AB believes Proteas are 'free of baggage', but early wickets key against 'wounded' Aussies

Former Proteas star batter AB de Villiers believes South Africa have a chance to make history at the ongoing Cricket World Cup in India.

De Villiers, who played 228 ODIs for the Proteas between 2005 and 2018, reckons Temba Bavuma's charges are "free of baggage".

Ranked fourth in the ICC ODI rankings, South Africa entered the World Cup in India without expectations, considering their notorious history at ICC events.

The Proteas impressed with their record-breaking start, posting the highest total in World Cup history as they scored 428 against Sri Lanka last Saturday.

In a column for the International Cricket Council (ICC), De Villiers gushed over South Africa's prospects after registering their first win of the World Cup.

"Despite a stunning start to the campaign, expectations amongst fans remain low and the team's good form has gone under the radar. But that is exactly what makes me so excited about South Africa's chances in India," wrote De Villiers, who played in three 50-Over World Cups.

"There are fewer established figures but lots of players ready to put their stamp on the world stage, free of the baggage from previous failures."

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De Villiers, who devastated oppositions in the global showpiece, averaging 63.52 with the bat and scoring 1 207 runs in 23 ODIs, hailed the Proteas' top-order, stating that it is one of the most dangerous batting line-ups in the tournament.

"Aiden Markram's 49-ball century showed just how devastating he can be on the attack, but he also has the temperament and ability to build an innings, while Heinrich Klaasen is in the form of his life," said De Villiers.

"Alongside Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma,