Startled by the unexpected defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in their last ODI outing, the Indians would have mentally girded their collective loins when faced with the prospect of clashing with the South Africans on Sunday. The dismal performance of the South Africans in the 11th match of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 meant that they successfully defended their title of ‘Chokers’ and India sailed into the semi finals of the competition.
Skipper Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to field first; an excellent decision as it turned out. Though openers Quinton de Kock (53 off 72) and Hashim Amla (35 off 54) gave the South Africans a good solid start, the Indian bowlers never allowed the batsmen to score freely.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah both took two wickets each while being very stingy with the runs they permitted off their bowling. South Africans suffered as many as three runouts, a testament to how unsettled the batsmen were out in the middle.
India needed to score at less than 4 an over after the South Africans were all out for just 191. Though Rohit Sharma made just 12 runs, Shikhar Dhawan got yet another big innings on the board, making 78 off 83. This was his 19th half century and his third fifty in a row.
Kohli remained not out till the end; making 76 off 101. Yuvraj Singh also remained unbeaten with 23 off 25. India won with 8 wickets and 72 balls to spare.
For his economical bowling, two wickets and contribution in the field, Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match.
South Africa is out of the competition and India go through to the semi final. Today's match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will decide which fourth team (England and Bangladesh made it from Group A) will make it to the semi finals. Today’s match will also clarify whether India will face off against England at Cardiff or take on Bangladesh at Edgbaston.
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