South Africa through to semis of Champions Trophy. Photo: ZeeNews
It was Kieron Pollard‘s wicket at a crucial juncture that proved to be the difference as South Africa barely managed to secure a semifinal berth in the Champions Trophy despite their Group ‘B’ match against the West Indies ending in a tie under the Duckworth/Lewis method, here on Friday.
Chasing an imposing 231-run target to win in 31 overs in the rain-curtailed match, West Indies were 190 for six in 26.1 overs when the heavens opened up once again to bring an early end to the decisive game at Sophia Gardens.
Had Pollard not got out after scoring a 23-ball 28, the par for the West Indies would have been 187 for five under the D/L method.
But the hard-hitting batsman was dismissed by Ryan McLaren just before the rain intervened, dashing West Indies hopes of earning a semifinal berth.
West Indies needed 41 runs off 4.5 overs when play was called off and at that stage, they were required to have scored 193 for six under D/L method.
Darren Sammy and skipper Dwayne Bravo were left stranded at the crease as the on-field umpires decided to call off the match after brief discussion.
South Africa ended their league engagements with three points from as many matches while West Indies also finished with the same margin but the Proteas advanced to the knockout stage on account of better net run-rate. – ZeeNews
