Jon-Jon Smuts top scored for South Africa with 58...
South Africa prevented a repeat of the summit clash between India and Pakistan in 2006, with a convincing 98-run victory in a rain-affected semi-final in Kuala Lumpur.
South Africa's bowlers picked up 8 for 67 on Saturday after play was resumed on the reserve day because of a monsoon shower, which brought a halt to the game on Friday, with Pakistan on 86 for 2 in 18.5 overs.
The rain threatened to ruin play on Saturday as well for it had been pouring since the wee hours of the morning. On most grounds around the world, play would have been abandoned but the drainage at the Kinrara Oval is such that after the showers eased at 11.00 am local time, the ground staff had the ground ready for a 12.20 pm start. Pakistan needed 166 to win off 28.1 overs with eight wickets in hand at the start of play but South Africa's medium-pace attack bowled a tight line and length and four quick wickets irreparably damaged Pakistan's chances. The D/L target, which had to be kept in mind given the overcast conditions, spiralled out of control.
The game turned in South Africa's favour with the first ball - Pieter Malan slipped one down leg side and Bradley Barnes completed a sharp stumping after Umar Amin had over-balanced. The D/L par score, which was 91 for 2 after 20 overs, inched upwards following the first ball wicket. A second quick wicket put the D-L par score out of Pakistan's immediate reach. Ali Asad was adjudged leg-before to Roy Adams though the ball had pitched outside leg.
Pakistan were 95 for 4 but Ahmed Shehzad, who was on 40 overnight, was still batting and he briefly kept hopes alive through his fluent strokeplay. He reached his 50 with a lofted six against Yaseen Vallie but was lucky to get there because Jonathan Vandiar dropped a hard chance right on the long-on boundary. However, on 60, Shehzad fell while trying to raise the tempo, top-edging a slower delivery from Adams to Sybrad Engelbrecht at point.
Shehzad had fallen after a brief stand of 29 and as has been the trend in Pakistan's innings another wicket fell quickly - Umair Mir bowled round his legs by Vallie - to reduce them to 124 for 6.
The game as a contest was finished with Pakistan needing 128 with four wickets in hand and the remaining batsmen lost their wickets holing out in the outfield while trying to find the boundary. South Africa's victory means that India, after waiting for more than 24 hours to know the identity of the other finalist, will face the team they beat during the group stages. South Africa, however, have improved remarkably since that six-wicket defeat and will pose a sterner challenge.
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