DHAKA: South Africa, for the first time, won a knock out game at a World Cup and confirm their spot as a semifinalist beating Sri Lanka by 9-wicket in first quarter final at Sydney Cricket Ground Wednesday.
The Proteas chased down a meager target of 134-run losing the wicket of Hashim Amla in 18-over.
Quinton de Kock scored 78 runs off 57 balls while Faf du Plessis took 21. H Amla took 16-run before returning the pavilion.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and deiced to bat first. The match kicked off at 9:30am Bangladesh time.
Imran Tahir and Duminy restricted Sri Lanka to a small total of 133 runs.
Duminy took a hat-trick in the match while Tahir bagged four wickets. Steyn, Abbott and Morkel got one wicket each.
Sangakkara and Thirimanne, however, scored 45 and 41 runs. Tahir was adjudged player of the match.
Man of the Match Imran Tahir said: “I can't complain, thanks for the support from back home and the people here. I've been thinking about this game and I'm really glad. I've got everything from South Africa, so I always say I have to give everything back. I just try to do my role, it's an absolute honour and I'm loving it. There's some good and great players [in the team], just playing with them is a dream come true for me. It's a great feeling and motivates me every day. [Semi-final against NZ] We've been working really hard for this, it will depend how we play on the day.”
BDST: 1521 HRS, MAR 18, 2015
** SA need 134 for Semifinal
