'De Kock will play a part in us winning the World Cup'

Quinton de Kock is the only member of South Africa's top six who did not score a century in the group stage of this World Cup, but he remains his captain's "first pick," for the starting XI in the knockouts.

"There is no doubt in my mind that Quinton is a match winner and he will play a part in us winning this World Cup," AB de Villiers said. "He is still my first pick. When push comes to shove, I believe he will play a big knock for us. I'd hate to see him go but it's something we'll discuss as we go on"

De Kock notched 26 against UAE, his highest score of the tournament and only his second in double figures. He spent an hour and a quarter at the crease grinding out what de Villiers saw as a gutsy innings. "He showed signs of good form, he was much better and prepared to fight it out," de Villiers said.

De Kock has not made a half-century this year, since returning from an ankle ligament tear which healed a month sooner than expected, and has been retained mainly on reputation and for another reason, as de Villiers revealed.

"I don't want to keep," he said. "It puts a lot of pressure on me when I am in the field and managing the bowler. When I don't keep I've got more time."

De Villiers is the only reserve keeper in South Africa's squad and if he does not want to do the job, de Kock will remain in the side and at the top of the order. That would leave the selectors with a choice between Rilee Rossouw and Farhaan Behardien at No.7, provided Faf du Plessis, who sat out this game with a lower-back injury, makes a full recovery.

"I'm pretty sure he (du Plessis) will be fit," de Villiers said. "If all of them are fit, it's a difficult call and it will probably come down to Farhaan or Rilee. It gives us a good headache. They are totally different. Rilee is very attacking and Farhaan more of a finisher. Depending on conditions and who are playing, we will make the call."

South Africa's other straight shootout for a spot is between two bowlers, with Vernon Philander and Kyle Abbott competing for the third seamer's job. Philander made a return from a hamstring strain against UAE while Abbott was forced back onto the bench despite three decent outings, and de Villiers confirmed he does not "think both will play at the same time," because they "have different sets of skills." While Abbott is aggressive upfront, swings the ball and has put his hand up to return at the death, Philander bowls nagging lines and lengths and thrives when there is a little bit on offer.

While the selectors ponder their choices, the one player in South Africa's squad who may not get a game at all, is left-arm spinner Aaron Phangiso. He was included as back-up to Imran Tahir but with the legspinner in his elements, has been a reserve all tournament and will likely remain that way barring a major injury.

"We were very tempted to give Phangi a game and his attitude has been superb," de Villiers said. "He works hard in the nets. He is a big match player. I face him in the nets and I have been assessing him and I have nothing to worry about if we need him in the knockouts."