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Cardiff: Kieron Pollard's wicket proved to be the difference as South Africa sneaked into the semifinals of the ICC Champions Trophy on a better net run rate after their rain-hit Group B match against the West Indies ended in a tie under the Duckworth/Lewis method, here.
Chasing an imposing 231-run target in 31 overs in the rain-curtailed match, West Indies were 190 for six in 26.1 overs when heavens opened up once again to bring an early end to the decisive game at Sophia Gardens last night.
Had Pollard not got out after scoring a 23-ball 28, the par score for the West Indies would have been 187 for five under the D/L method.
But the hard-hitting batsman was dismissed by Ryan McLaren just before the rain intervened, dashing West Indies hopes of earning a semifinal berth.
West Indies needed 41 runs off 4.5 overs when play was called off. But under the D/L method, the Caribbeans needed to score 193 for six to pip South Africa on net run rate.
Darren Sammy and skipper Dwayne Bravo were left stranded at the crease as the on-field umpires decided to call off the match after brief discussion.
Both South Africa and West Indies ended their league engagements with three points from as many matches but the Proteas advanced to the knockout stage by virtue of a better better net run-rate.
India are the other team to have already qualified for the semifinals from Group B.
West Indies lost opener Johnson Charles (16) early into their run chase as he was caught by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers at short third man off Dale Steyn.
Chris Morris got the prized-wicket of danger-man Chris Gayle in the 12th over just when the Jamaican was looking dangerous. Gayle scored 27-ball 36 with the help of five fours and a straight six.
