New Zealand qualify for semifinals
Published:Friday | March 25, 2011 | 4:26 PM
New Zealand joined India and Pakistan in the World Cup semi-finals as South Africa collapsed when in command of a straightforward chase at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Bangladesh today and lost by 49 runs.
The Black Caps were first thankful to Jesse Ryder 83 and Ross Taylor 43, who rescued them from 16 for two at one stage and helped them post 221 for eight off their allotted 50 overs.
South Africa seemed to be cruising to victory at 108 for 2 after 24 overs, but they subsided horribly to be all out for 172 in 43.2 overs against the bowling of Jacob Oram, four for 39 and Nathan McCullum, three for 24.
The last six South African batsmen were dismissed for just 51 runs.
Jacques Kallis top scored for South Africa with 48, while Faf Du Plessis scored 36 and AB de Villier got 35.
New Zealand now await the winners of tomorrow’s quarter-final clash between England and co-hosts Sri Lanka in Colombo.