India beat South Africa but fail to reach semis

COLOMBO: India recorded a thrilling one-run victory over South Africa with one ball remaining in the last Super Eights group two match but failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the World Twenty20 Cricket 2012.

Pakistan reached the semi-finals as India could not restrict the Proteas to 121 runs to book the semis berth.

Chasing 153 set by India, South Africa were all out for 151 in 19.5 overs as they could not win any match in the Super Eights.

Faf du Plessis was the main architect of South African batting cracking 65 off 38 balls with six fours and two sixes as no other batsman could make more than 16

Seamers Zaheer Khan and Lakshmikant Balaji were the most successful bowlers for India, taking three wickets each for 22 and 37, respectively.

Earlier, South Africa captain AB de Villiers won the toss and put India into bat here at the R Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday.

India made 152 runs for six wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Suresh Raina top scored with 45 from 34 balls with four boundaries, followed by Rohit Sharma (25), captain Mahindra Singh Dhoni (23 not out) and Yuvraj Singh (21).

For South Africa, left-arm spinner Robin Peterson and fast bowler Morne Morkel claimed two wickets each.

Now, Pakistan will play the first semi-final against hosts Sri Lanka on Thursday while the second semi-final will be played between Australia and West Indies on Friday.

The final will be played on Sunday.