The Proteas will head into Saturday's pool clash against Pakistan in Auckland with Steyn, widely regarded as the world's best fast bowler, having taken just five wickets in four matches at the tournament.
Steyn, 27, has been overshadowed by Morne Morkel (nine wickets), leg-spinner Imran Tahir (nine) and Kyle Abbott (six in two matches) in South Africa's three wins in four Pool B games.
Also Read
And Steyn said he was not too far off his best form
"I don't think I've bowled too badly. I think against Zimbabwe I actually wanted to bowl quite quick and run in and try to knock them over," said Steyn of a match in which he had figures of one for 64 in nine overs.
"I just ignored that (basic) instinct, and just wanted to run in and blast them where it didn't work. After that I think I got better and better.
"I haven't taken the wickets that I want to take, but that's the World Cup. In a World Cup you don't have anywhere to hide."
"There are only ten wickets to take, and when Imran takes five or Abbott takes four, there is not much for the other bowlers to take.
"So you have to do what you have to do in order for your team to win. I'm happy with that. I feel if we make our way all the way to the final, I'm due to have a good game somewhere in there.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
)