Lungi Ngidi has declared himself fit ahead of South Africa’s crucial World Cup match against unbeaten New Zealand in Birmingham on Wednesday.

The fast bowler hobbled out of the Proteas defeat by Bangladesh and was expected to face Afghanistan only to be rested further.

Now, as his side prepare for a do-or-die encounter against the Black Caps, he has pronounced himself available and over his hamstring strain.

‘It’s 100%. That’s how the fitness test goes. If you are not bowling at 100% then you are obviously not ready to play. Today was as hard as I could go, at match intensity.’

Missing out when his teammates needed him most has been a bitter pill to swallow.

‘It’s been tough. Injuries are never nice but with the support staff I’ve had around me, it’s been pretty decent. Other than being off the field, I’ve been all right. Just frustrated by not being able to play a few games.’

Ngidi is likely to replace Beuran Hendricks in the starting XI and is eyeing exposing the Kiwis middle order.

‘I don’t think their middle- and lower-order batsmen have been tested enough. Most of the guys who have scored the runs are at the top of the order. Maybe one or two [wickets] up front, get those guys, get their middle order in as early as possible, and you could be looking at a different situation when it comes to their batting.’