India cruise into semi-finals

Monday, 12 June 2017 01:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

IN-1 India’s Yuvraj Singh (2nd R) and India’s captain Virat Kohli (2nd L) celebrate after winning the ICC Champions Trophy match between South Africa and India at The Oval in London on June 11, 2017. India beat South Africa by 8 wickets in The Champions Trophy - AFP

AFP: India swept into the Champions Trophy semi-finals and eliminated woeful South Africa as Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli inspired the holders’ eight-wicket victory on Sunday.

Kohli’s side avoided the embarrassment of an early exit as they survived a do or die showdown to advance from Group B in style.

Having dismissed South Africa for 191, two-time champions India cruised home with 12 overs to spare at The Oval.

In-form opener Dhawan was the key figure with 78 from 83 balls, including 12 fours, while captain Kohli weighed in with a typically elegant 76.

It was a nerveless performance from India, who had come under fire after failing to defend a total of 321 in their heavy defeat against Sri Lanka.

India join England and Bangladesh in the semi-finals, with the remaining place in the last four going to the winner of Monday’s Group B meeting between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Kohli’s men will likely face Group A runners-up Bangladesh in Birmingham on Thursday as they bid to make the final for the fourth time.

South Africa could have no complaints as they limply departed the tournament after a second successive defeat.

They will need a far more determined effort to prosper when they face England in one-day and Test action shortly.

Quinton de Kock’s 53 was the only score of any substance from the spineless South Africans, who had three men run out in a wretched performance.