Winner takes all - India were facing the world’s number one ODI side for a spot in the semis but after the first few hours of play, it became evident that Virat Kohli’s would be the dressing room celebrating at the end of the match.
The 8-wicket victory now sees India in the final four. 83 overs were bowled in the teams’ final Group B fixture though, here are five turning points that swayed things India’s way.
1. Ashwin’s Wicket on Return
Virat finally won a toss and chose to chase. Big surprise. Amla and de Kock started cautiously but had collected 76 in 18 overs when India made their first breakthrough. Dropped for the first two games, Ravi Ashwin marked his return with Amla’s scalp. MS Dhoni only too eagerly waiting to close out the wicket with a clean catch behind the stumps.
2. Run-Outs Start The Rout
The two runs-outs that followed then turned the match in India’s favor - first skipper AB de Villiers was caught short of the crease at 16 and then David Miller and Faf du Plessis both wanted in on the same end. South Africa 142/4 in 30 overs.
3. Indian Bowlers on Top
From 116/1 to 191 all out.
India’s bowlers had faced the heat after previous matches but with 141 dot balls – the equivalent of almost 24 overs – and an easy target to chase, Virat Kohli had a few smiles to spare for his bowlers. Specially Jasprit Bumrah, who finished man of the match with 2/28 – that included his first wicket of the tournament.
4. Dhawan Scores Big, Again
India’s chase was a familiar story – Shikhar Dhawan once again stepping up. Added 128 runs with Virat Kohli and top scored for the side with 78, his third 50-plus score of this tournament. With 271 runs he’s now the event’s highest-scorer
5. Virat Finishes it Off
Dhawan though could not carry his bat and Yuvraj Singh joined the skipper in the middle. Virat Kohli too smashing a half-century as India closed out the chase in 38 overs. Yuvraj Singh with the winnings runs.
India winning the match by 8 wickets. Through to the final four.
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