ICC Champions Trophy 2017: 5 things India should be wary of against South Africa

India and South Africa have a long lasting history in major ICC tournaments. In the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, the Proteas famously lost their way in a chase of 262 in Colombo after they were cruising at 192/1 at one stage. Herschelle Gibbs retired hurt after scoring 116 and suddenly South Africa didn't know how to carry on.

In the 2011 World Cup, which India won, they lost just one game - to South Africa when Robin Peterson deposited a lacklustre Ashish Nehra into the stands in the final over. In the 2015 World Cup, a Shikhar Dhawan hundred and an eye-catching throw by Mohit Sharma to run out De Villiers sealed the game for India.

Each time these two have clashed, a real contest ensues which makes their virtual quarter-final on Sunday in the 2017 Champions Trophy all the more anticipated. Both sides boast of imperiously talented cricketers and captains who are at the top of the World. Can India trump over a determined Proteas unit? Only time will tell.

However, here is a little heads up for India in terms of what to be wary of from South Africa.

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#5 The new ball combo of Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell

Since the 2015 World Cup, no bowler has taken more wickets than Kagiso Rabada. The fiery pace bowler burst onto the International scene with a hat-trick and has since led the pace bowling unit across formats for the Proteas. In the absence of veterans Steyn, Philander et al, Rabada has shone like a bright white light.

Wayne Parnell, on the other hand, has struggled in the tournament with the new ball but he is so unpredictable that a sensational opening spell like the one against England at Lord's two weeks back might just be around the corner.

These two in tandem can take out the top order, especially if the ball moves around a touch. Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have all had problems with the moving ball in the past and the Proteas new ball duo will be eager to exploit that.

#4 The swag of Quinton de Kock

Quinton de Kock has enjoyed big success against India and should be in the limelight again

The name sends shivers down India's spine and rightly so. Quinton de Kock has been a long-standing nemesis for the Indian side. The wicket-keeper batsman has five hundreds in nine ODIs against India at an average of 74.11.

A flamboyant batsman, de Kock has taken a special liking to the Indian attack ever since smashing three hundreds in succession against them in a series.

While his recent troubles against Jeetan Patel should encourage India to play Ravichandran Ashwin and open the attack with him, De Kock has played the off-spinner quite well in ODIs. Amla, at the other end, offers a stable partner and this means more often than not India are grasping for air in the powerplay overs against De Kock.

He wasn't in good touch in the 2015 World Cup but this time around he is due for a big knock which will make matters worse for India.

#3 Balancing their bowling attack

Umesh Yadav's pace and bounce will be crucial against de Kock and Amla in the powerplay

It is imperative that India get their bowling attack right against a strong batting line-up like South Africa's. They have four seamers and the all-round skills of Pandya at their disposal. Given South Africa's woes against Jadeja and Ashwin in the recent past, the duo should play.

Opting for Pandya could mean India go in with two pace bowlers which is a big risk against the likes of De Kock, De Villiers, Morris and Miller but Pandya has been in exemplary form with the bat.

However, India should look to play three front-line seamers in Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. This obviously means there is no room for Hardik Pandya but that is one sacrifice India will have to make.

#2 The phenomenal AB de Villiers

De Villiers was run out in a tense chase against India in the 2015 World Cup and would not want to make another mistake

India can never rest until they have this man back in the hut while South Africa are batting. De Villiers will be determined to put behind his golden duck against Pakistan and lead South Africa to the semi-finals.

The World's no.1 ranked ODI batsman is determined on winning trophies for South Africa and has turned his focus completely to ODIs which makes him a bigger threat than he ever was. The last two times India played South Africa, De Villiers smacked hundreds to take his team to victory.

He is the binding factor in South Africa's middle-order, a terrific runner between the wickets and a brilliant player of spin which leaves India with very limited options to try and get him out. They will take relief from the fact that left-hand spinners have had some success against the South African of late (Krunal Pandya has got him four times in four IPL games) and use Jadeja against him.

Ashwin has also had the better of the 360° man in Tests although the One Day record is largely in favour of De Villiers.

#1 Batting in the middle overs

38-year-old Tahir should pose the biggest threat to India in the middle overs

Playing well in the middle overs of an ODI innings is one of the most underrated things in World cricket today. Most teams are content with a good powerplay and effective slogging towards the death. But the middle-overs is where a game is won or lost most often.

India should look to be positive against Imran Tahir, Morne Morkel and Chris Morris, three bowlers South Africa are likely to use more in the middle stage.

If India can string together some big partnerships in the middle overs and not get tangled in the variations of the wily Tahir, they have won half the battle. Scoring boundaries might be a tad more difficult in the middle overs with the field spread.

Running between the wickets, and not losing too many wickets will be the key in overs 20-40. Against a team like South Africa this may not be an easy task but that's just what India will have to focus on to emerge victorious.