South Africa squeeze into final

Boje (20 not out) stood firm during those tense 68 deliveries, mostly shielding an inexperienced Dawson (15 not out), to blunt a tremendous fightback from the Lankans. The young left-arm spinner had earlier played the first act in his heroic effort claiming four for 16 in a spell, made to look all the more awesome by an under-prepared track at the PKNS Ground, where the ball virtually turned square on occasions.

Boje struck after a steady 53 from opener Aviska Gunawardana carried the Lankans to a healthy 117 for four in the 33rd over, before the last sixwickets crashed for the addition of 13 runs.

South Africa now await the winners of Thursday’s other semi-final between Australia and New Zealand in Saturday’s final at the same venue.

Pollock, leading South Africa in the absence of seven regulars including captain Hansie Cronje, said, “Full marks to Boje and Dawson for seeing us through. We did not bat well at all and it is a miracle that we are still in the competition.”

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 130 in 44 overs (A Gunawardana 53; N.Boje 4/16) lost to South Africa 131 for nine in 47 overs (M Rindel 25, N Boje 20 no).