As the business end of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup approaches, South Africa finds itself in a familiar condition but facing different opposition. Having played the majority of their matches in Ahmedabad, they are now gearing up to take on the West Indies in their Super Eight clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium. While continuity in venue has helped routines, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj insists that familiarity with the city does not necessarily translate into comfort with conditions.

South Africa’s campaign so far has been brilliant. They have won four out of four games in Ahmedabad, including a victory over the hosts and tournament favourites.

India. Despite staying in one city for most of their group and Super Eight fixtures, Maharaj was clear that the surfaces have behaved very differently. South Africa has encountered red-soil, black-soil, and mixed pitches, each having contrasting pace and bounce.

"It's nice to not travel. From a pitch point of view, every game has been very different. In the four matches that we've played here, conditions have played very differently so I don't see it as too much of an advantage. It's just making sure that we adapt quicker rather than later compared to the opposition.

We're not worried too much about the venues, who played there or who didn't play there. For us, it's just coming out and understanding what needs to be done and executed," left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj said on the eve of South Africa's game against West Indies.

Under the leadership of Aiden Markram, South Africa has shown their brilliance.

Their highest total of 213 against Canada tested their batting depth, while a 187 against Afghanistan led to a dramatic double Super Over win. Against India, the same score proved more than enough in a one-sided contest.

The bowling unit has been equally effective.

Maharaj himself delivered a crucial spell against India, while Marco Jansen has been among the leading wicket-takers in the tournament. West Indies, however, presents a different kind of threat. The Caribbean team is also unbeaten after five matches and has been the most destructive batting unit of the tournament, leading the six-hitting charts with 55 maximums.

Their bowlers have also impressed. Gudakesh Motie ranks among the top wicket-takers, while Matthew Forde has maintained an excellent economy rate. Unlike South Africa’s settled base in Ahmedabad, the West Indies have travelled extensively across venues, arriving late in the city but confident nonetheless.