Remarkably Australia are the form side going into Sunday’s World Twenty20 Super Eights clash with No.1-ranked South Africa.

Despite entering the tournament with a world ranking of No.9, Australia have jumped three places following group-stage wins over Ireland and West Indies and Friday night’s opening Super Eights victory over India by nine wickets with 5.1 overs to spare.

Australia captain George Bailey says one more win against South Africa on Sunday (2000 AEST) or Pakistan on Tuesday should be enough to get his side into next week’s semi-finals, while the Proteas are playing for survival.

South Africa suffered a demoralising defeat on Friday night as Pakistan reached a target of 134 with two wickets and two balls to spare after being 7-76 with five overs remaining.

“Our situation hasn’t changed. You still need to win two out of three games in the Super Eights,” Bailey said.

“It was a great win but in terms of just where it sets us up for the tournament, it puts South Africa under pressure because they need to win the next two.

“We have that buffer but you don’t get an easy game in this competition.”

Skipper AB De Villiers spoke openly about South Africa’s inability to win world cups despite having strong lineups.

“It’s probably something that’s plagued us in the past but we’re in a different tournament,” he said.

He denied his side had choked again in the loss to Pakistan.

“We gave ourselves a chance to win the game tonight, we’re very happy with that,” he said.

“We’ll come back in the next two games and if we play good cricket we’ll win both of them and go into the semi-finals.

“There won’t be any choking then.”

South Africa have several concerns, including an injury doubt over pace spearhead Dale Steyn because of a bruised foot and the outstanding form of Australia allrounder Shane Watson.

Watson has claimed three man-of-the-match awards in three games.

“The way he plays and the way Watto prepares, there’s no reason why he couldn’t (continue to dominate),” Bailey said.

“He’s set himself to be the man of the tournament, the person that leads Australia as far as he can in this tournament. When you see the way he plays this format of the game, he’s almost the complete cricketer.”

Watson has scored 164 runs at an average of 82.00 and the paceman has taken eight wickets at 11.12.