England in Champions Trophy semi-final, South Africa out

CENTURION - England became the first team to make it to the Champions Trophy semi-final, beating hosts South Africa by 22 runs in a high-scoring Group B match at the SuperSport Park here Sunday.

With the loss, South Africa again made an early exit from an International Cricket Council (ICC) event failing to handle the pressure at home.

Sri Lanka could be the second semi-finalist from the group on the basis of a better run-rate. But New Zealand, after their win over Sri Lanka in Johannesburg earlier in the day, kept themselves in contention and can spoil the islands countrys chance if they manage a win over England in their last group match.

At the SuperSport Park, England batsmen put up an incredible performance with Man of the Match Owais Shah leading the way with his quick-fire 98. Paul Collingwood (82) and Eoin Morgan (67) also made important contributions as England made 323 for eight in 50 overs.

South Africa displayed great character with captain Graeme Smith (141) almost carrying his bat through the innings before being dismissed in the 47th over. Denied a runner in the later stages of the game, Smith fought muscle cramps and kept the runs flowing with his big hits but didnt get much support from the other end.

South African batsmen got good starts, but couldnt convert them into a big score and in the process lacked a good partnership. South Africa ended with 301 for nine in 50 overs. Had they made 314, South Africa would have overtaken Sri Lanka in terms of run rate and still could have hoped for the semi-final berth.

But England bowlers especially James Anderson (3-42) bowled a disciplined line and length making it hard for South African batsmen to score. Anderson and Stuart Broad (3-67) shared six wickets each but the latter was erratic in his approach, allowing South Africa to cross the 300-run mark.

Earlier in the day, Shah spanked six sixes and five fours in his 89-ball stand to boost Englands chances. Shah and Collinwood put on a record 163-run third-wicket stand that took the match away from South Africa.

The partnership set the stage for the final onslaught and England plundered 92 in their last 10 overs. Morgan cracked a 34-ball 67, his second successive half-century, with the help of five sixes and four boundaries.

Wayne Parnell was the most successful South African bowler with three for 60, while Johan Botha took two for 56.