It was Pakistan playing against Australia to secure a place for the semi final, which however was conditional on the outcome of the second match between India and South Africa.
As for the first match, a time came when even Australia's sailing through to semis looked doubtful as Pakistan had sufficiently contained the Kangaroos. However, the Australians, needing 112 to qualify for the semis, did meet the target but could not make more than 117, which resulted in a huge defeat by 32 runs at the hands of Pakistan.
However, even after winning over the Australians, Pakistan still needed India to lose against the South Africans or at least South Africans lose by 33 runs. And what a superb performance the South Africans displayed. They not only achieved the 121 runs mark to allow Pakistan to qualify for the semis, but also made their utmost effort to win over the Indians as a matter of pride. The match ended in India's favour with only run needed for the South Africans to win over the Indians.
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While India and South Africa leave for home, the South Africans will do it with their heads high as they displayed the highest degree of sportsmanship and resilience to win over the Indians, even when winning did not matter at all. Well played South Africa.
Pakistan now plays its semi final against Sri Lanka, while Australia plays against the West Indies.
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