Faf du Plessis ensures Indian exit from World T20
Faf du Plessis’ blistering half-century ensured India’s exit from ICC World Twenty20 despite they win the game by one run.
In the last game of Super Eight round in Colombo, India posted a 152-6 and had to restrict South Africa to 121 to qualify for the knock out stage but their plans went up into the smoke as South Africa finished with 151.
India’s minuscule victory means Pakistan, who defeated Australia by a big margin of 32 runs earlier on Tuesday, progressed to the semi-final alongside Aussies. South Africa were already out of the contention after losing their opening two games to Pakistan and Australia respectively.
Pakistan will face hosts Sri Lanka in the first semi-final on Thursday while the second semi-final will be played between Australia and West Indies on Friday.
Faf du Plessis’ knock of 65 off 38 balls were simply outstanding. He smashed Indian bowlers all over the ground and plundered six boundaries and two maximums.
Faf du Plessis recovered South Africa when openers Hashim Amla (0), Jacques Kallis (6) departed, leaving their side reeling at 2-16.
Faf du Plessis, however annexed the crease firmly continued the acceleration of flow of runs on board. His knock came to an end in the 13th over after he holed out to Suresh Raina off part-time spinner Yuvraj Singh.
An array of cameos from the middle and regular wickets keep the much fluctuated.
South Africa were needed 14 off the last over bowled by paceman Lakshmipathy Balaji. Morkal brothers Albie and Morne hit a six apiece to Balaji before being bowling out to him.
Earlier, Suresh Raina (45 off 34) and MS Dhoni (23* off 13) helped India to manage a 150-plus total.
Raina’s enterprising knock that was studded with five boundaries, came to an end in the final delivery of the innings when he got run out while trying to scamper for an inexistent second run.
Top-order batsmen Gautam Gambhir (8), Virat Kohli (2) and Virender Sehwag (17) failed to deliver while Rohit Sharma and Yuvraj Singh contributed 25 and 21 runs respectively.
