Most South African fans have written off the national team’s chances of progressing past the group phase at the World Cup but, mathematically, there is still a glimmer of hope.

If the Proteas win their three remaining games, they will move from three to nine points. At present, Australia have 10 and New Zealand have nine with England on eight and India next on seven.

It’s unlikely that New Zealand will not pick up one more point – they still have the Windies, Pakistan, Australia and England to play.

Due to their late start to the tournament, favourites India have matches to play.

That leaves England as the main threat to South Africa’s long-shot hopes.

But the hosts, after losing to Sri Lanka, have just three games to play. They face Australia, India and New Zealand which is no easy passage.

Of course, there are still 17 group matches to go and a lot can happen. But it looks likely that even if Pakistan, West Indies and Bangladesh win two more games there is still a South African route to the semis.

New Zealand and India must win their remaining games while Australia must win every game until their clash with the Proteas on 6 July.