India defeated South Africa by one run in the final Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup at the R Premadasa Stadium here today. But the win was not enough for them to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament because of their poor run-rate .

India who ended tied on four points with Pakistan and Australia could not go further due to lower net run rate.

India batting first scored 152-6 and had to restrict South Africa to 121 or less but that they failed to do so. South Africa in their pursuit of the target were bowled out for 151. This is now third time in a row that the men in blue have failed to clear the Super Eights stage of the tournament.

Here are some of the hits and flops of the match:

India:

Hits:

Suresh Raina: Suresh Raina played a great knock under pressure and helped India cross the 150 runs barrier. He played according to the need of the situation and unlike other Indian batsmen he did not throw away his wicket playing loose shots. He held the innings together and scored a crucial 34 balls 45 including five fours.

Yuvraj Singh: Yuvraj Singh looked to be in great form and continued from where he left in the last match against Pakistan. He timed the ball perfectly and scored 21 of 15 deliveries including a four and two sixes. He then was useful with the ball as well and picked up two crucial wickets by giving away just 23 runs. His all-round performance earned him the man of the match award.

Zaheer Khan: The veteran left arm pacer used all his expertise to try and restrict South Africa below the par score of 121. He was good with the new ball and gave India important breakthroughs. He ended the match with figures of 3-22 in four overs.

Flops:

Gautam Gambhir: It was required for India to get off to a good start but Gambhir played irresponsibly at the top of the innings. He had been struggling with his form and it was required for him fire at the top of the innings but then made a mess of himself when he played on a Morne Morkel delivery to his stumps.

Virender Sehwag: It is not the first time that India is paying for Virender Sehwag’s careless attitude. India needed a good score to play with and Sehwag could have helped them in achieving that. But then Sehwag after hitting Robin Peterson for a six tried the shot again only to get his stumps knocked off. He should have shown much more responsibility as a senior member of the side.

South Africa:

Faf du Plessis: It was Faf du Plessis’ innings that saw India getting knocked out of the tournament. Flessis played brilliantly and when wickets were tumbling at the other end, he held on to his wicket and scored a brilliant half century to deal a deadly blow to India. He scored 65 off 38 deliveries including six fours and two huge hit over the rope.

Flops:

Hashim Amla: Amla who was expected to play a key role in the World Cup could not much for the Proteas in the tournament. And even in yesterday’s match he was out for a duck.

By Indian Sports News Network