OK, LET’S quickly address the elephant in the room.

The Aussies gave the current Proteas team a cricketing lesson at Kingsmead with that massive 214-run victory in the first Test on Tuesday.

South Africa’s head coach, Shukri Conrad, called for cool heads. After all, this was the first time Temba Bavuma lost a game as Test captain.

Let that sink in; Bavuma’s record as captain currently stands at 13 matches played, 11 wins, one draw and one defeat – this match in Durban.

The SA skipper admitted that his team may have buckled under the onslaught from Oz.

“I think it’s a certain level of pressure that maybe some of the guys weren't really accustomed to,” Bavuma said.

But with that elephant addressed, let’s lift our gaze, look beyond what happened at Kingsmead, and consider a group of SA cricketers who have learned to deal with, embrace, and flourish under pressure.

Their latest triumph came against England Champions on Tuesday, when South Africa held their nerve to secure a nine-run victory at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Duminy led the way with 76 off 43 balls, while de Villiers contributed 56 from 31 deliveries as South Africa posted 204/5 in their 20 overs. Wayne Parnell then provided a late flourish with an unbeaten 35 off 18 balls.

England made a spirited attempt to chase down the target, with Dawid Malan among their leading contributors, but finished on 195/7 as South Africa maintained their unbeaten record.

The victory was their fourth in as many matches, leaving the reigning champions firmly in contention to defend their title.

Next up is Wednesday’s final group fixture against Bangladesh Champions, scheduled for 5.30pm South African time. With a semi-final place already secured, the match offers South Africa another opportunity to carry their momentum into the knockout stage, which begins on Friday.

De Villiers has been at the heart of South Africa’s campaign. Against Australia, the former Proteas captain produced a breathtaking unbeaten 111 off just 40 balls as South Africa chased down 210 with eight wickets and 26 balls to spare.

Levi, meanwhile, has been an explosive presence at the top of the order. He announced himself with 87 off 39 balls against West Indies, including eight sixes, as South Africa piled up 242/5 before bowling their opponents out for 145 to win by 97 runs.

De Villiers also contributed 70 in that opening victory, giving South Africa a formidable platform from the outset.

The Australia match was another demonstration of their batting power. Levi struck 62 off 29 balls before de Villiers took control of the chase, reaching his century in extraordinary fashion. Duminy remained unbeaten on 27 as South Africa reached their target in only 15.4 overs.

India posted 196/8, with Robin Uthappa scoring 77 and Stuart Binny adding 50. South Africa’s reply was built around a crucial partnership between Duminy and Colin Ingram, who scored 66 off 34 balls and 40 off 24 respectively. Their stand helped South Africa reach 198/6 in 18.5 overs and claim a four-wicket win.

The bowling attack has also played its part. Imran Tahir took 3/24 against West Indies, while Aaron Phangiso claimed three wickets in the same match. Against India, Tahir, Hardus Viljoen and Shaun von Berg each took two wickets as South Africa kept the opposition within reach.

For fans who followed the Proteas through the 2000s and 2010s, seeing names such as Tahir, Phangiso, Parnell, Duminy and De Villiers together again is part of the appeal. 

The competition brings former international stars back under their national colours, reviving rivalries, stirring up nostalgia, and giving supporters another chance to enjoy players who once defined South African cricket.

The World Championship of Legends began in 2024, when India Champions won the inaugural title. South Africa claimed the trophy in 2025, beating Pakistan Champions by nine wickets in the final, with De Villiers and Duminy again playing starring roles.

Now, with South Africa chasing a second title — and, with four wins from four matches, the defending champions have given their supporters plenty of reason to believe the old magic is still there.

If you read between the lines, you’ll see simple bits of advice for the current Proteas team as they prepare for the second Test.

Keep calm, do the basics right, and allow each player to play to their individual strengths for the benefit of the team.