South Africa reached the semi-final of the ICC World Twenty20 2014 as they defeated England by three runs in Chittagong on Saturday to effectively rule the latter out of the competition.
The win was scripted on the back of skipper AB de Villiers and Hashim Amla’s half-centuries along with Wayne Parnell’s bowling efforts at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in a power-interrupted, high-scoring affair.
England lost their second game in Group 1 ahead of their final game against Netherlands while New Zealand and Sri Lanka both have four points each with a game in hand.
De Villiers blasted an unbeaten 69 from just 28 balls while Amla scored a quickfire 56 to guide South Africa to 196-5. Later, a three-wicket haul by Parnell helped to restrict England to 193-7, booking the Southern Africans a semi-final berth.
The Super 10 tie was interrupted twice due to power failure during South Africa’s innings which halted the game for 10 minutes on two occasions to disappoint the crowd and organisers.
In pursuit of the target, England required 22 runs in the last over but managed to pile up only 18 from Dale Styen’s last over as the game continued to throw up surprises till the very end.
England appeared well-set on their way to the target as openers Alex Hales and Michael Lumb added 44 runs to the scoreboard in less than five overs before the pair were dismissed by Parnell.
Hales, who earned England a dramatic win against Sri Lanka a couple of days ago, again looked dangerous before he presented a catch to David Miller off Parnell.
Parnell further dented England’s run-chase by picking up the wicket of Moeen Ali for 10 off his next delivery.
Earlier, South Africa made a flying start as openers Amla and Quinton de Kock (29) added 90 runs for the opening wicket.
Amla went on to register his maiden T20 fifth with the help of six fours and two sixes.
De Villiers on the other end looked to be in sublime form and duly put the finishing touches to South Africa’s innings, smashing 41 runs off the last 14 balls he faced.
-With New Age input
