India pull out an outstanding victory against South Africa by 37 runs to not only qualify for the Semifinals but also outplayed South Africa to throw them out of tournament. South Africa needed 154 to win and 126 runs to qualify for the semis but Indian bowlers didn’t allow them to even qualify for the semis.
India's bowlers, seen as the weak link, delivered when most required to help defend a modest total of 153 in the group E match. The 37-run victory for India knocked the hosts out of the championship with New Zealand qualifying as the second team from the group.
India will now play mighty Australians in the Second semi final at Durban and Pakistan will face New Zealand in first semifinal at Capetown.
Defending 154 runs, Indian pace bowler R.P Singh started brilliantly and gave India double breakthrough by removing H.Gibbs and South African captain Graeme Smith caught in the slips to a superb catch by Dinesh Karthik. With S Sreesanth dismissing AB de Villiers and the big-hitting Justin Kemp run out to a fine direct throw from Rohit Sharma, South Africa were reduced to 31-5 chasing what had seemed a modest target.
Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel scored 36 apiece later in the innings but the paucity of wickets in hand put paid to their hopes. Singh came back to dismiss Albie to finish with 4-13 and with other bowlers too chipping in when required, the last nail went quite easily into the South African coffin.
Earlier M.S. Dhoni won the toss and elected to bat first. Indian opener again gave India a good start by adding 32 runs for the first wicket but in the space of 4 deliveries Indians loss three quick wickets. But thanks to Rohit Sharma who made 50 of 40 balls and M.S. Dhoni 45 of 33 balls who manage to give Indians a fighting total of 153/5 in 20 Overs. Yuvraj Singh the hero against England were not playing in this match due to sore elbow.
Rohit Sharma was declared Man of the Match.
Match Summary
India – 153/5 in 20 Overs
Rohit Sharma – 50*M.S. Dhoni– 45
Shaun Pollock– 4-0-17-2Makhaya Ntini– 4-0-30-1
South Africa – 116/9 in 20 Overs
Mark Boucher –36Albie Morkel– 36
R.P Singh– 4-0-13-4S. Sreesanth– 4-0-23-2
India Vs South Africa Highlights – India qualified for Semi Finals in Twenty20
