India v South Africa, T20 World Cup 2014 Semi-Final: Key Players to Watch

India face South Africa in the second semi-final of the 2014 T20 World Cup at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, on Friday. IBTimes UK takes a look at key players to watch in the crucial semi-final clash.

Amit Mishra and Imran Tahir

Amit Mishra has been a key player for India during the ongoing tournament, picking nine wickets from four matches. The leg spinner's impressive form during the first two matches has seen him bag the Man of The Match Award twice.

Imran Tahir is the second highest wicket taker in the T20 World Cup so far, having bagged 11 wickets from four games. He could trouble the Indian top order as South Africa would be banking on him to pick wickets.

Mishra has an economy rate below six and has better average compared with Tahir. The clash between Mishra and Tahir will be a treat to watch.

Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla

Virat Kohli has been the star performer with the bat for India and is their leading scorer in the competition so far. The right-handed batsman has scored 170 runs from four games, averaging 85 so far in the T20 World Cup.

Hashim Amla is South Africa's top scorer and is just seven runs behind Kohli in total runs in the competition. The right-handed opening batsman has given the Proteas a much needed start at the start of their innings, which has been the foundation for the top and lower order batsman.

The wicket of Kohli for South Africa and similarly that of Amla's for India would be crucial in the semi-finals. Should either of them get going at the top, it will be difficult for the opponent to stop them from posting a huge score.

Spin and Pace Attack

The spin attack has been crucial for India's success in the T20 World Cup so far. Dhoni has the services of Ravichandran Ashwin, Mishra and Ravindra Jadeja as the first choice spinners in the starting XI. The trio are well supported by part-time spinners Suresh Raina, Yuvraj Singh and Rohit Sharma.

During the Super 10 fixtures, Mishra picked up the Man of the Match award in the first two games while Ashwin bagged the honour in the next two games.

Dale Steyn leads South Africa's pace and the right-arm fast bowler was instrumental in his side's victory over New Zealand during the Super 10 fixtures. He is well supported by Wayne Parnell, Beuran Hendricks and Albie Morkel.