South Africa may have to win all of their remaining group-stage matches to earn a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-finals and Faf du Plessis' side faces two tricky challenges this week.
With over half their matches played and only three points to their name, South Africa can ill-afford any slip-ups in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, while India will look to pick another win
South Africa may have to win all of their remaining group-stage matches to earn a place in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 semi-finals and Faf du Plessis' side faces two tricky challenges this week.
The Proteas lost their first three games at this tournament, belatedly getting a point on the board with a washout against West Indies before picking up their first win thanks to a comfortable triumph over Afghanistan last week.
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But things certainly do not get any easier for South Africa over the coming seven days, as they take on an unbeaten New Zealand and a mercurial Pakistan, who desperately need a win themselves following Sunday's resounding defeat to fierce rivals India.
Virat Kohli's side looks the strongest all-round outfit in the competition and they should pick up another victory against Afghanistan, who also face hosts England in a tough week for the only team yet to claim a point.
FIXTURES
Monday 17 June: West Indies v Bangladesh (Taunton), 3:00 PM IST
Tuesday 18 June: England v Afghanistan (Old Trafford), 3:00 PM IST
Wednesday 19 June: New Zealand v South Africa (Edgbaston), 3:00 PM IST
Thursday 20 June: Australia v Bangladesh (Trent Bridge), 3:00 PM IST
Friday 21 June: England v Sri Lanka (Headingley), 3:00 PM IST
Saturday 22 June: India v Afghanistan (Rose Bowl), 3:00 PM IST; West Indies vs New Zealand (Old Trafford), 6:00 PM IST
Sunday 23 June: Pakistan v South Africa (Lord's),3:00 PM IST
THE WEEK'S BIG GAME
With over half their matches played and only three points to their name, South Africa can ill-afford any slip-ups. Their first assignment of the week comes against the Black Caps on Wednesday, in a repeat of the thrilling semi-final from four years ago that saw New Zealand squeeze through. If the Proteas can dish out a first defeat of the tournament to Kane Williamson's side, they will go into Sunday's clash against an erratic Pakistan with renewed hope of securing a top-four finish.
STANDINGS
1. Australia - 8pts from 5 games, Net Run Rate +0.812
2. New Zealand - 7pts from 4 games, NRR +2.163
3. India - 7pts from 4 games, NRR +1.029
4. England - 6pts from 4 games, NRR +1.557
5. Sri Lanka - 4pts from 5 games, NRR -1.778
6. West Indies - 3pts from 4 games, NRR +0.666
7. South Africa - 3pts from 5 games, NRR -0.208
8. Bangladesh - 3pts from 4 games, NRR -0.714
9. Pakistan - 3pts from 5 games, NRR -1.933
10. Afghanistan - 0pts from 4 games, NRR -1.638
LEADING RUN-SCORERS
1: Aaron Finch (Aus) - 343
2: Rohit Sharma (Ind) - 319
3: David Warner (Aus) - 281
LEADING WICKET-TAKERS
=1: Mohammad Amir (Pak), Mitchell Starc (Aus) - 13
2: Pat Cummins (Aus) - 11