Whichever team comes out on top in this match will join already qualified India as one of the two semifinalists out of Group B.
Despite having had several fine limited overs sides since re-admission, the Proteas haven't lifted a major one-day trophy since winning the 1998 edition of this tournament.
Especially at World Cups, they've found some remarkable ways to bow out, be it a dramatic 1999 tie with Australia at Edgbaston when they had the match all but won or failing to read correctly the Duckworth/Lewis sheet for rain-affected fixtures on home soil four years later.
The West Indies have not beaten South Africa in a one-day international since 2006.
If the forecast rain does descend on Sophia Gardens to such an extent no result is possible, South Africa would go through to the last four courtesy of their superior net run-rate.
South Africa lost their opening game to India before getting the better of Pakistan, results which are similar to what the West Indies have managed so far in the tournament.
As far as the batting prowess goes, both teams seem evenly matched even though the Chris Gayle factor could tilt the scales in the West Indies' favour if the swashbuckler comes up with one of his hurricane knocks on Friday.
For South Africa, Hashim Amla's form remains crucial as he would be expected to play the sheet-anchor's role. The likes of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis and JP Duminy are the game changers, who can accelerate on a solid start.
On the bowling front, South Africa have the distinct edge.
For the West Indies, spinner Sunil Narine remains a crucial cog and he proved his worth yet against when he picked up a couple of wickets against India, albeit for a losing cause in their previous match.
Teams (from):
South Africa: AB de Villiers (Capt.), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Alviro Petersen, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Dale Steyn, Lonwabo Tsotsobe.
West Indies: Dwayne Bravo (Capt.), Denesh Ramdin, Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith.
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