LONDON: Defending champions India outclassed South Africa in all departments of the game to enter the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy with a comprehensive eight-wicket victory here today.
India will meet Bangladesh in the semi-finals in Birmingham on Thursday.
The Proteas lived up to their ‘Perennial Chokers’ tag in a virtual quarter-final clash that turned out to be a thoroughly one-sided encounter.
Shikhar Dhawan (78 off 83 balls) and skipper Virat Kohli (76 off 101 balls) made it look like a walk in the park as India chased down a target of 192 in only 38 overs.
It was Dhawan’s third 50-plus score in the competition, while skipper Kohli made amends for a rare failure against Sri Lanka in style, notching up his 41st ODI half century.
On a day when it mattered the most, India brought their A game to the fore while AB de Villiers’ men wilted under pressure, as it has been with them in high-stakes games.
The Indian bowling was disciplined, the fielding exceptional with three run-outs, and then there was a professional batting performance.
If it’s the Champions Trophy, Dhawan can hardly put a foot wrong as he hit 12 fours and a flicked six off Morne Morkel over deep square leg. (AGENCIES)
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