Proteas looking to keep up 'intensity' in T20 World Cup clash against Zimbabwe

Aiden Markram and his charges have already booked their place in the semifinals of the global tournament, but have a not so small matter of an African derby to contend with first.

Zimbabwe have lost both their games in the Super 8s stage of the competition, going down to big defeats against West Indies and co-hosts India.

They have, however, already beaten Australia and Sri Lanka earlier in the tournament and won many hearts in the process of a successful campaign.

"I think you've got to respect the opposition – they've done their bit to qualify for the Super Eights, they've had a fantastic tournament," Prince told reporters.

"From our point of view, we've been really sharp and what we want to ensure is that we maintain that discipline and intensity and that we don't drop off as far as those are concerned."

The Proteas' history in ICC white-ball tournaments is well documented - having never won a trophy - but the World Test Championship final success in June last year could prove to be turning point, according to Prince.

The South Africans beat Australia by five wickets at Lord's in the WTC final to lift their first major ICC trophy.

"Getting over the line in the World Test Championship was a big moment for us, as a cricketing nation and for this group of players," Prince said.

"And what that creates is a lot of confidence within your teammates and trust that whenever they are going to be called upon and when the moment presents itself, they can step up."