Bavuma hamstring strain shows 'improvement', but Proteas skipper continues to be 'monitored'

Proteas captain Temba Bavuma sustained a right hamstring strain during Friday's Cricket World Cup match against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad.

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In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said Bavuma was assessed by the Proteas' medical team and "showed an improvement overnight". 

It remains unsure if Bavuma will be fit for Thursday's semi-final against Australia in Kolkata, but CSA said he would "continue to be monitored and managed by the medical team".

CSA added that seamer Lizaad Williams, who returned home earlier this week for the birth of his child, will return to India on Sunday.

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Meanwhile, New Zealand were assured of a place in the semi-finals on Saturday after Pakistan failed to overhaul them during their concluding group game against England.

Pakistan, the 1992 champions, needed to beat England by 287 runs to squeeze into the semi-finals at the Kiwis' expense on net run rate.

However, England batted first, closing off that avenue, and Pakistan's fate was then sealed when they were faced with the impossible task of scoring over 300 runs by the 40th ball of their reply to the champions' 337-9.

New Zealand will face hosts India in the first semi-final in Mumbai on Wednesday, before Australia and South Africa clash 24 hours later.