15 Jun 2013

South Africa reaches Champions Trophy semi-finals

7:45 am on 15 June 2013

South Africa have reached the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy cricket competition thanks to a rain-affected draw with the West Indies, who are eliminated.

In an agonising turn of events at Cardiff, the West Indies batsman Kieron Pollard was caught out for 28 just before the rain returned, which meant that instead of his country being ahead of the required run rate under the Duckworth-Lewis system, they were level.

The tie means South Africa join India in the semi-finals on superior net run rate, and the West Indies go home.

The Proteas were taking regular wickets after making 230 for six, and before the covers went back on the West Indies were 190 for six with almost five overs remaining when play stopped for the last time.

Rain had already reduced the match to 31 overs per side.