World T20: Why India vs South Africa is crucial

India's morale boosting win against Pakistan has brought their ICC World T20 campaign back on track. But the Men In Blue's match against the Proteas will finally determine whether they can make it to the semi-finals. With so many permutations and combinations involved, NDTV simplifies the scenario for you.

India need nothing less than a win today but the South Africans can play the party poopers. Beaten by Pakistan and Australia in the Super 8s, the South Africans are hungry for a turn around. And that's what the Indians have to be careful about.

Add to that the fact that Gary Kirsten, who knows Indian cricket through and through, is now head coach of the South African team.

But with Australia and Pakistan playing their last match today, there's a chance that India might not make it to the semis even if they beat South Africa.

Here's what the equation looks like

First, India needs to secure a straight win and hope that Australia beats Pakistan. If India and Pakistan both win then it will come down to net run rate.

But if India and Pakistan both lose then it will be a three way tie between India, Pakistan and South Africa and once again NRR will decide who goes through.

However, India has a slight advantage because Australia and Pakistan play before their crucial tie and Dhoni and company will know exactly how big a win they need in case Pakistan beat Australia.

India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that devising a strategy without knowing the result of the Australia versus Pakistan game will be foolhardy as that will help them chart their course of action.