* Pakistan to face hosts Sri Lanka in first semi
* Australia will take on West Indies (Adds quotes, detail)
By Shihar Aneez
COLOMBO, Oct 2 (Reuters) – India failed to reach the World Twenty20 semi-finals despite beating South Africa by one run in a gripping final Super Eight Group Two match on Tuesday.
A total of 152 for six was not enough for India because in the 17th over South Africa, who were also eliminated, passed the target of 121 that ensured group rivals Australia and Pakistan would move into the last four.
Hosts Sri Lanka will meet Pakistan in the first semi-final in Colombo on Thursday while Australia take on West Indies on Friday in the same stadium. The final is on Sunday.
India scratched their way past 150, boosted by a late burst from Suresh Raina (45) and captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni (23 not out).
Raina’s 34-ball knock included five fours.
Morne Morkel and Robin Peterson grabbed two wickets each for South Africa who were already out of the tournament before the match started.
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