AS IRELAND PREPARE for their penultimate Cricket World Cup clash, opponents South Africa are sweating on the fitness of their leading batsman.

In-form AB de Villiers has undergone a scan on his left thigh after picking up an injury during their tournament win over India, a team spokesperson said.

The right-hander has been the most successful batsman for his country in the showpiece event and is currently placed third with 318 runs in the list of highest scorers. He has notched up two hundreds and a half-century from four matches.

A South African team spokesperson explained:

“He got a scan done on his thigh. I can’t update the details till he gets the scan report.”

De Villiers needed a runner during his 52-run knock against India on Saturday during South Africa’s thrilling three-wicket win against the co-hosts.

South Africa play their next Group B match against Ireland at the Eden Gardens tomorrow.

The 27-year-old has been in sensational form, hitting back-to-back centuries against West Indies and the Netherlands, but additional wicketkeeping workload has been taking a toll on his back.

He handed over the wicketkeeping duties to Morne van Wyk in South Africa’s last two matches – against England and India.