Cricket “probably owes” South Africa at crucial moments as the side look to finally lift a major international trophy at the T20 World Cup in Australia, says batter Pieter Malan.
The Proteas open their Super 12 Group 2 campaign against Zimbabwe, who qualified from the first round, on Monday in Hobart.
Malan believes the country can now break the barrier of nine appearances – for both the men and women – at the semi-final stages of T20 and 50-over tournaments.
“In a T20 tournament, there are so many things you need to go your way in crucial moments,” the 33-year-old told BBC Sport Africa.
“I feel like the game of cricket probably owes South Africa a few of those, so hopefully it comes right in this tournament.
“South Africa is too good a side not to have won a big trophy so hopefully that happens pretty soon.”
South Africa’s most galling semi-final exit came at the 1999 Cricket World Cup, when a final-over run-out meant they tied with Australia, external and were eliminated on head-to-head record.
The Proteas missed out on a T20 World Cup semi-final appearance last year when they were eliminated at the Super 12 stage despite finishing level on points in their group with England and eventual winners Australia.
They have avoided those two teams this year but do face India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Netherlands as well as Zimbabwe.
“I think they’re always in with a chance – that’s the thing with South Africa – it is always one of the top sides,” said Malan, the South Africa A captain who is not in the squad for Australia.
“It’s just a matter of getting across the line in those crucial moments and this might be the one.
“There are conditions [in Australia] that South Africa will be comfortable with. They’re in a good place and there’s a lot of exciting youngsters coming through.
“It’s just putting that together and hopefully they get over the line in this T20 World Cup.”
South Africa will hope the potentially destructive batting of Quinton de Kock and David Miller can deliver consistently, while Rilee Rossouw has made a positive return to the team and 22-year-old Tristan Stubbs has emerged as a top prospect.
Their highly regarded fast bowling attack offers them a real chance of success, with Marco Jansen added to a squad that already includes Indian Premier League regulars Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
“Australia will suit our fast bowlers,” said coach Mark Boucher. “We have got some good pace, some good bounce in our attack, so we need to keep the aggression there.”