Tahir fancies chances of Proteas in India

South Africa spinner Imran Tahir believes his side are more than capable of winning the World Twenty20 title in India.

The Proteas warmed up for the Twenty20 showcase with a thrilling three-wicket victory over Australia in Durban on Friday and have two more lead-up games on home soil against the Aussies before they travel to the sub-continent.

South Africa have never managed to hold aloft the World Twenty20 trophy, but Tahir thinks that may be about to change this year.

"We have been playing good cricket the last two or three years and going to the World Cup I feel we are very confident," Tahir said. 

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"We are looking to do well like we always have been, even in previous World Cups. 

"I just think we just have to play good cricket on the day when we get there."

Tahir will be one of South Africa's biggest weapons in India and he showed what he is capable of against Australia with a superb spell of bowling that included three crucial wickets.

The leg-spinner picked up 3-21 from his four overs, with the big scalp of Australia opener Aaron Finch among his victims.

Finch had smashed four sixes on his way to 40, but the dangerous Australia batter picked out Kagiso Rabada on the boundary from a Tahir full toss with the first ball of the right armer’s spell.

"As a bowler, there are millions of times I have bowled a good ball and never got a wicket,” Tahir said.

"So I will take that wicket even if it is a full toss."

A lot will be expected of Tahir in India and the 36-year-old is confident he will be able to hold his nerve and contribute well.

"I am very happy with that (added pressure),” he added.

"I like challenges and...I try and deliver.

"It is going really well for me so far so I am pleased with that.

"As long as I am doing well for the team that is my main thing. That is what I am trying to do and then the wickets come and I take them."