ICC Champions Trophy 2013 semi-finals: 5 things to look out for when South Africa meet England

Robin Petersen is congratulated by AB de Villiers after bowling Devon Smith during the ICC Champions Trophy Group B match between West Indies and South Africa at SWALEC Stadium on June 14, 2013 in Cardiff, Wales. (Getty Images)

The Champions Trophy is now at its business end. There are no second-chances and no complications of net-run rate. It is a plain and simple equation: the team that plays the better cricket will move a step closer to the coveted prize.

South Africa made their own fortune in their last rain-affected group game against the West Indies and they have made a promising recovery after the initial loss to India. Their batsmen have helped them along and their bowling is regaining its bite with the return of Dale Steyn. England on the other hand topped their group in spite of losing to Sri Lanka.

The two teams have a brief but intriguing history at the competition. South Africa defeated England twice in the knockout version of the tournament that was played in 1998 and 2000. England found some revenge in the last edition when they defeated the Proteas in a high scoring affair.

Therefore, South Africa goes into the battle with the upper hand in this aspect but England will have the chance to settle the score. However history is unlikely to stand for anything on the day when the two teams lock horns for a position in the finals. Here is a list of five things to look out for in this mouth-watering contest.

5. Captain De Villiers

Cometh the hour, cometh the man. AB De Villiers has taken on the mantle from the senior statesmen of South African cricket and will be eager to lead from the front. The wicketkeeper has been on the verge of a big innings and will hope that it comes off against England.

South Africa have found an individual who has found the big innings to take the team to a reasonable score in this competition; first it was Hashim Amla and then Colin Ingram. It will be AB De Villiers turn come Wednesday.