Marco Jansen: Proteas ready to rise to occasion and break knockout hoodoo

The 24-year-old fast bowler dismantled England's top order with figures of 3-39 and also took three catches as South Africa bowled out their Group B opponents for 179 in 38.2 overs.

In response, the Proteas chased down the target, losing just three wickets in 29.1 overs, with Rassie van der Dussen scoring an unbeaten 72 and Heinrich Klaasen contributing 64 runs.

Jansen was named Man of the Match for his all-around performance.

The win allowed South Africa to top their group with five points, while Australia finished second with four. Their semi-final opponents will be determined by the outcome of the India-New Zealand Group A match in Dubai on Sunday.

South Africa's tendency to falter in knockout stages has prevented them from winning an international title since their 1998 Champions Trophy victory, which was then known as the ICC Knock-out tournament.

Jansen emphasized that the Proteas don't need to make major changes for the playoffs.

"I wouldn't say the mindset changes, it's just the occasion that's probably a bit more hyped up," said Jansen.

South Africa lost to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup semi-finals and were beaten by India in the 2022 T20 World Cup final.

"You stick to your processes. It's a fancy term, but for me, it's just having your steps or guides that you follow in every match, and then in semi-finals, you just try to execute them extraordinarily well."

Jansen mentioned that the team's mentality remains unchanged.

"For me, it's about knowing where to pitch the ball depending on where you're playing, and then as the game develops, figuring out what works and what doesn't. Personally, the occasion or situation of the game changes, but not really the mental approach, if that makes sense."

India's semi-final will take place in Dubai, while the other will be held in Lahore.

Jansen noted that India will be accustomed to the conditions in Dubai, having played all their matches there.

"If we play in Dubai against India, they will have had more training and experience with the conditions, so they will be more familiar with it."

"However, we've also played in Dubai, so it's not something new for us. We play spin very well, so I don't think that gives them too much of an advantage. Ultimately, it comes down to who performs better on the day."

The Proteas will assess the fitness of captain Temba Bavuma and opener Tony de Zorzi, who both missed the game against England due to illness.

Stand-in captain Aiden Markram also had to leave the field and did not bat after suffering from a stiff hamstring. suffering a stiff hamstring.

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