World Twenty20 round-up: India crash out while Pakistan progress
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Your support makes all the difference.Australia sustained a 32-run defeat in their final Super Eights match against Pakistan yesterday, but were still able to celebrate a place in the World Twenty20 semi-finals alongside their conquerors as India went out despite beating South Africa in Group F's other game.
After easily winning their opening two Super Eights matches Australia could afford to lose after Pakistan posted 149 for 6 batting first. That left George Bailey's side needing 112 to go through and they edgily reached that mark in the 20th over – thanks almost solely to Mike Hussey's unbeaten 54 – to finish on 117 for 7.
Despite Pakistan's win, their progress to the last four was not assured until India failed to beat South Africa by enough to overtake them in the later game. India could only beat the Proteas by a single run after needing to win by 31.
India's total of 152 for 6 was not enough because in the 17th over South Africa, who were already eliminated, passed the target of 121 runs that ensured Australia and Pakistan would move into the last four.
India scratched their way past 150, boosted by a late burst from Suresh Raina (45) and captain MS Dhoni (23 not out).
South Africa lost in-form opener Hashim Amla second ball but thanks to Faf du Plessis's rapid 65 they threatened a first Super Eight victory before falling just short, Zaheer Khan claiming figures of 3 for 22 for India.
Lakshmispathy Balaji was twice hit for six in the final over but he bowled Albie Morkel and his brother Morne to seal victory with one ball to spare.
Semi-final line up
Tomorrow Sri Lanka v Pakistan Colombo, 2.30pm BST
Friday Australia v West Indies Colombo, 2.30pm
Final Sunday Colombo, 2.30pm
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