Proteas seek to bury the ghosts of Eden Park

The Proteas' last visit to Eden Park in Auckland, venue for the once-off T20 International between New Zealand and South Africa doesn't bring back very fond memories.

It was at this very venue on March 2015 that the Proteas had hoped to advance to their first ICC World Cup Final, but were denied in the semi-final by the bat of ex South African Grant Elliot, whose unbeaten 84 sent the South Africans home with their tails between their legs.

 Not too much should be read into the result, whichever way it may go, but Faf du Plessis, who scored 82 in a losing cause on that occasion, would certainly like to shelf any thoughts of that match, which led to the Proteas again being lumped with the 'chokers' tag.

 The side which recently lost to Sri Lanka in a three-match shootout back home, was essentially an 'experimental' outfit, with most of the more regular faces back in the mix.

 Although there are a good deal of the current players who were part of that heart breaking loss in 2015, one player who has made significant strides is spinner Imran Tahir.

 Tahir, 37, holds the No.1 bowling spot in both T20 and ODI cricket at present and recently topped the ODI charts following his performances in the 5-0 series win against Sri Lanka.

 Tahir says it's a particularly special time for him in his six year international career

While he echoed captain Faf du Plessis' sentiment that a once-off T20 International at the start of a long tour is not ideal, Tahir says the Proteas, fresh from a 5-nil ODI whitewash over Sri Lanka,  are in good nick.

The Black Caps' recent form under skipper Kane Williamson hasn't been too shabby in the shorter versions of the game either and boast more recent victories over Pakistan, Bangladesh and Australia.

In fact, in blitz cricket as many like to call it, the Kiwis have won nine out their last 10 matches.

The Proteas also have to adapt to the drop-in pitch and irregular-sized boundaries at the multi-purpose stadium used to host rugby in the New Zealand winter.

With the addition of the players who were rested during the Sri Lanka home Series, the Proteas side pretty much picks itself, but there are still doubts over the fitness of David Miller, who is still getting over a finger injury.

It would then seem that the versatile Farhaan Behardien may then be the logical replacement.

The Kiwis will certainly miss the experienced Martin Guptill and have roped in 20-year-old Auckland wicketkeeper-batsman Glenn Phillips in as a replacement.

East London (SA) born Phillips has been a star performer in his country's domestic T20 competition, but hasn't even got a first-class match under his belt yet.

The Proteas were forced to practice indoors on Thursday due to the inclement weather ahead of the match at Eden Park

Weather permitting, play is set to get underway at 8 am South African time on Friday.

With the long haul ahead in New Zealand, it wouldn't be a bad thing if the Proteas got off to a winning start, no matter what the format.