Jacque Kallis said South Africa would use their world record one-day run chase against Australia 21 months ago for inspiration when they go for victory in the first test against West Indies in Port Elizabeth.
The visitors finished the third day in the early hours of yesterday on146 for eight, already 359 runs ahead.
But Kallis was still confident South Africa could upset the odds, much like they did in March 2006 when scoring 438 for nine to beat Australia in Johannesburg to win the one-day series.
"Absolutely. Quite a few of this team were involved in the 438 game and we haven't lost the confidence and belief it gave us," Kallis said.
South Africa's leading run-scorer said the home side were expecting to produce a more efficient batting display after being bowled out for 195 in their first innings by West Indies.
"We know we batted below par in the first innings and this is a chance to redeem ourselves and put that right. It's still a good pitch, it's not like the surfaces we usually get at St George's Park, and we're very positive.
"The best way to chase down a target is to play normally and it will be important not to worry about the required scoring rate, even if it's only around two runs an over."
West Indies lost six wickets for 22 runs on Friday to allow South Africa back into the match but all-rounder Dwayne Bravo remained unfazed.
"Every team has a bad session, we've had ours now," said Bravo. "We've got runs on the board and they still have to get them."
Earlier, Bravo captured four for 24 to wrap up South Africa's first innings.
