Overview
Marshalled by Graeme Smith and with an explosive side full of power and pace, South Africa will hope 2009 is finally the time they can win a major ICC tournament.
The leaders of the pack when it comes to one-day cricket, the Proteas will be looking to carry their 50-over form into the shortest format of the game.
However, when it comes to tournaments the Proteas offer flatten to deceive and they won't want reminding of the last time they played in an event on English soil.
In 2007 they coasted through the early stages of the tournament in front of their own fans only to fail to reach the semi-finals on net run-rate, bringing back the bad memories of the 2005 World Cup on home soil.
Strengths
South Africa have not been afraid to do away with some of their senior stars in international cricket to pick younger, more specialised cricketers for T20.
The one exception to the rule has been Jacques Kallis, who missed out on the tournament in '07 but has been included in a strong-looking 15-man squad.
The major emphasis throughout the party is on all-round talent - many of those included offer more than one string to their bow, while the fielding - led by the evergreen Herschelle Gibbs - will be expected to be of a high standard.
What may be even more crucial for their hopes is the fact that plenty of the Proteas have been getting useful experience of Twenty20 cricket with their prolonged participation in the Indian Premier League.
Weaknesses
Big game temperament - South Africa have a history of melting in pressure situations - who can forget that World Cup semi-final against Australia in 1997 at Edgbaston.
Their exit from the previous Twenty20 event, when they didn't even need to win their final group game against India, only get enough runs to clinch qualification, did little to lose them the tag of cricket's biggest chokers.
As for their actual talents with bat and ball, a shortage of a spinner could of been an issue had Johan Botha not been cleared to bowl following testing at the University of Western Australia in Perth.
With the bases covered in terms of the bowling attack, Smith - who needs to find some form himself - and coach Mickey Arthur must sort out a batting order that makes the most of all the players available.
Six-hitter - Albie Morkel
Morkel dazzled on home soil in 2007 and has experience of playing in England following his stint with Durham during the domestic Twenty20 Cup last year.
A left-hander who likes to swing to mid-wicket, he will be a dangerous proposition down the order provided those above him do their job and give him a platform on which to destroy the opposition's attack in the closing overs.
Strike bowler - Dale Steyn
The leading paceman in the Test arena, Steyn is no less of a handful in the limited overs game, mixing up some short stuff with an excellent yorker.
Don't be fooled by his youthful appearance, the 25-year-old is a fierce competitor who doesn't like to give away a single run.
Look out for...Roelof Van Der Merwe
Plucked from almost nowhere (well, actually the Titans to be precise) all-rounder van der Merwe marked his international debut with 48 runs and a wicket against Australia.
Few fans would have heard of the 24-year-old before then. A talented youngster who represented his country at the Under 19 World Cup in 204, van der Merwe lost his way on the field due to his antics off it.
However, his focus is now on cricket rather than his social life, allowing South Africa to reap the benefits of a rising star of their domestic game.
As a right-handed batsman he can clear the fence, particularly square of the wicket, while his dart-like left-arm spin has the habit of picking up key wickets.
