ICC WT20: Pakistan sails through to semi-finals, as Faf du Plessis shines for South Africa

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (Tuesday, Oct. ) - The last Super Eight Round match between India and South Africa is still under process; but Pakistan sails through to the semi-finals of the ICC World Twenty20, as soon as South Africa gone pass 121. 

ICC WT20: Pakistan sails through to semi-finals, as Faf du Plessis shines for South Africa

Faf du Plessis played an impressive knock of 65 off 38 balls. South Africa still needs 31 in19 balls with 5 wickets in hand to win their maiden Super Eight match before they leave the tournament on high note. This victory does also mean for South Africa; but in real sense it gives lifeline to Pakistan, who were put on the edge by India thrashing them comprehensively this Sunday.

Pakistan will meet Sri Lanka, who topped the Group 1 points table, in the semi-final on Thursday (October 04); while Australia will take on West Indies on Friday (October 05) before the winners of the respective semi-finals will face each other in the final of the tournament on Sunday (October 07).

Earlier, Pakistan put up a good show to contain Australia on 117 on their chase of 150, set by Pakistan courtesy to some exceptional batting by young Nasir Jamshed (55 off 46), Kamran Akmal (32 off 26) and a little cameo by veteran Abdul Razzaq (22 off 17).

Pakistan bowlers, especially spinners led by Saeed Ajmal (3 for 17), never let the Australians to play freely and curtail Aussies well enough under the required run rate to boost their own net run rate. Young Raza Hassan bowled impressively and grabbed 2 for just 14; while skipper Muhammad Hafeez also picked up two wicket in his four overs giving away 22 runs.