Four key questions before the Proteas’ do or die clash

The Proteas’ continued presence in the ICC Champions Trophy is dependent on a positive result against India in London on Sunday.

This week’s unexpected loss to Pakistan has made their passage to the semifinals far more difficult.

Also read: AB de Villiers’ Proteas slump: A dossier of decline

It’s do or die for AB de Villiers and his men.

Here’s what you need to know.

Is Sunday’s game a straight knock-out game?

Yes. It’s a virtual quarterfinal. Whoever wins, goes through.

Is AB de Villiers – who had a hamstring niggle – fit to play and how does he feel about his iffy form?

South Africa’s skipper is indeed fit as a fiddle.

“I am, yes,” he said on Saturday.

And he was equally emphatic over his lack of runs.

“Look, I’m still in good form. Still hitting the ball well, as always. It’s just a matter of going out there and doing it,” he said.

“There’s nothing I can say here that’s going to change anything except for that I still believe I can and hopefully I’ll prove that. But I’m very excited with this opportunity for the team and for myself.”

De Villiers has been criticised for his captaincy on this England tour to date. How is that playing on his mind?

He seems pretty cool about it.

“I think my captaincy is pretty good. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every second out there. Lost the last game, so that’s never ideal for a captain. I understand what I’m trying to do out there. I’m really enjoying the captaincy. I think I make some good calls,” he said.

However, De Villiers is still rather edgy in his dealings with the media.

“Yeah, pencil’s in your hand, and I unfortunately can’t control what you’re going to write but in my mind I’m a good captain.”

Will the Proteas change their line-up for this crucial clash?

Some will say Wayne Parnell didn’t cover himself in glory against Pakistan.

He made a first-ball duck and generally bowled poorly.

The most likely candidate to come in is Andile Phehlukwayo but against a powerful batting order like India, Parnell’s superior bowling firepower is probably still more attractive.

“We’ll have a look at the wicket. The temptation is always there. I mean, there are 15 world-class players on the side, so we’ll have a look at whatever is the best possible 11,” said De Villiers.

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