By: Tarish Bhatt
No one would have thought that the virtual quarterfinal between India and South Africa would turn into a one-sided affair. But, it happened exactly like that. India came out with all guns blazing, and reached the semis.
India defeated South Africa by eight wickets, with 12 overs to spare. Right from bowling to fielding to batting, everything clicked for the Indian team. They delivered a stellar performance at the Kennington Oval today.
Read More: South Africa Bundled for Below-Par Total
Jasprit Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar set the tone with the new ball. They knotted the South African openers, and created early pressure. Once the Indians got the opening, they never allowed South Africa to make a comeback.
The bowlers were supported by some superb ground fielding, and sharp work by MS Dhoni behind the stumps. India managed to bundle AB de Villers men to a paltry 191 inside 45 overs to gain early advantage.
Read More: India Put South Africa to Bat in Must-Win Tie
South Africa managed to dismiss Rohit Sharma cheaply. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli, however, took the game away from the Proteas with a 128-run partnership. Both Dhawan and Kohli scored their respective fifties.
Dhawan, meanwhile, failed to finish off the game. Yuvraj Singh, alongwith captain Kohli, sealed India’s win. The defending champions will now play Bangladesh on June 15 in the semifinal.
