Ricky Ponting says he is excited to see South Africa face off with hosts USA in the Super 8s of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup on Wednesday.

He says South Africa were one of the teams he tipped for success before the tournament.

“I had them pencilled in as one of the favourites going into the tournament,” he said, adding that their narrow wins in the group stage over Nepal and Bangladesh would make them feel “battle hardened”.

“I still think they're a really dangerous team. If their batting clicks, they will be a dangerous team going forward.”

As for hosts USA, he says they can already be proud of their achievements.

“It’s been great reward for a lot of the hard work they've put in.

“If they turn up and they play their best, and South Africa are 5 per cent off their game, it could go either way.

“This next phase is going to be even more exciting than what we've seen so far and I can't wait.”