NAGPUR (India) • The West Indies secured a berth in the World Twenty20 cricket semi-finals with a nerve-jangling three-wicket win over South Africa on Friday, after Australia dumped Pakistan out of the tournament.
The Windies successfully chased down a target of 123 with just two balls to spare for a third consecutive Group One victory, becoming the second team to qualify for the last four after New Zealand.
"We came here to win this match and qualify, and we've done that, so we're really happy," captain Darren Sammy said after his side's victory.
The skipper admitted he was feeling "butterflies" as the Windies made hard work of it towards the end, going into the last over requiring nine runs to win.
Carlos Brathwaite hit a massive six before fast bowler Kagiso Rabada bowled a wide. Brathwaite then grabbed a quick run before Denesh Ramdin carried the Windies over the line with a single.
Marlon Samuels had earlier made 44 as the 2012 winners appeared to be heading for a comfortable victory, only for Imran Tahir to take two wickets in the 17th over and ensure a nervous finish.
Proteas captain Faf du Plessis rued his side's poor total of 122-8 after Sammy won the toss and elected to field first.
"It felt like the whole game we were half a step behind West Indies and we were trying to catch up the whole time," du Plessis said.
The defeat was the Proteas' second of the competition after losing to England in their opening match and they now face the prospect of a humiliating group-stage exit.
In Group Two, Australian fast bowler James Faulkner said his country's quest for the elusive World Twenty20 trophy was now back on track after their 21-run win against Pakistan.
In their opening game at Dharamsala, Australia were beaten by eight runs by New Zealand, the team that also defeated hosts India.
"We have played well all summer back home," said Faulkner.
"We showed what we can do with the bat. Looking forward to the next game against India, who are a tough opponent at home.
"We should be up for the challenge".
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
WORLD T20
Super 10 - Group 1, Afghanistan v West Indies: Singtel TV Ch123 & StarHub Ch236, 5.20pm. Gp 2, India v Australia: Ch123 & Ch236, 9.50pm
