South Africa take inspiration from Springboks as they hunt Cricket World Cup glory

South Africa cricket captain Temba Bavuma says his team were deeply inspired by the Springboks' thrilling victory over France as they chase some World Cup glory of their own.

Unlike their counterparts on the South African rugby team, the Proteas have never lifted a World Cup, with only several semi-final disappointments to show for their efforts.

The Springboks took a huge step towards a fourth global title as they eliminated hosts France 29-28 after an enthralling quarter-final tussle in Paris on Sunday night.

That win capped a great week for South African sport with the Proteas having made a flying start to the ODI tournament in India, piling up the runs and cruising to comfortable victories over Sri Lanka and five-time champions Australia.

They took a break between matches to watch the rugby, and despite the game ending at 2.30am local time, Bavuma says his team will have an extra spring in their step when their campaign resumes against the Netherlands in Dharamsala on Tuesday (12.30 UAE time).

"I'm still trying to wake up from the late night," admitted the Proteas skipper on Monday afternoon. "Incredible game. Inspirational the way the guys went about their business. I think the intensity that the game was played at from the first minute till the last, I think that's one thing that the guys kept speaking about.

"Obviously happy, as they were able to get over the line. But yeah, incredible, inspirational game."

Despite their impressive start to the tournament, the South Africans won't be "arrogant or loud" when they face the Netherlands, with their skipper recalling a shock defeat at the hands of the Dutch at the World T20 last year.

What a journey it's been for Quinton de Kock in the Proteas ODI side