South African cricket team captain Temba Bavuma was surprised to hear Pakistan being described as "mercurial" before their World Cup match.

He even had to Google the word to understand what it meant.

"I saw a comment that described Pakistan as mercurial," said Temba Bavuma on the eve of the game on Thursday. He has now recovered from a gastric problem due to which he missed last two matches.

"I had to Google the word, but it spoke about how a team can be good one day and not so good the next. So, we want to make sure that when they're good, we are so good as well."

Pakistan has had a mixed performance at the World Cup with two impressive wins and three heavy defeats from India, Australia, and Afghanistan.

South Africa, on the other hand, had a surprise loss to the Netherlands but has since bounced back with four wins which has put them in contention for the semi-finals.

However, Temba Bavuma knows that Pakistan can be unpredictable and capable of great performances one day and not-so-good ones the next.

He mentioned that Pakistan has won six of their last 10 meetings with South Africa, and they are aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Pakistan team.

South African captain also highlighted that despite Pakistan's recent struggles, they cannot be underestimated.

"We went through the Pakistan team, the threats that they bring, their strengths and obviously their weaknesses," he said.

"We know that they haven't played close to their best, but tomorrow could be that. We need to make sure we are ready for that."

Despite struggling in all three departments, Bavuma said Pakistan cannot be written off.

"Before the tournament I had them as one of the top four teams at the end of the group stages. So that's the amount of respect that you have for Pakistan."

In the past, South Africa has faced the "chokers" tag due to their tendency to falter in crucial moments of international tournaments.

Temba Bavuma hopes that their recent performances will change this perception.

Considering the spin-friendly conditions in Chennai, South African captain hinted that leg-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi might play in the match tomorrow.