/ 10 April 2007

SA beat improved West Indies by 67 runs

<a href=''http://www.mg.co.za/specialreport.aspx?area=cwc_home''><img src=''http://www.mg.co.za/ContentImages/300732/Icon_CWC.gif'' align=left border=0></a>South Africa restricted West Indies to 289 for nine wickets on Tuesday for a 67-run Super Eights victory that just about ended the tournament host's chances of reaching the World Cup semifinals. AB de Villiers hit 146 and South Africa hammered 134 off the last 10 overs to set up a crushing victory at the brand new Grenada National Stadium.

South Africa restricted West Indies to 289 for nine wickets on Tuesday for a 67-run Super Eights victory that just about ended the tournament host’s chances of reaching the World Cup semifinals.

AB de Villiers hit 146 and South Africa hammered 134 off the last 10 overs to set up a crushing victory at the brand new Grenada National Stadium.

Ramnaresh Sarwan then hit a 75-ball 92 for the home side but it was in vain despite a late push by the tail to make the margin of defeat more respectable.

While South Africa is back on track after Saturday’s surprise loss to Bangladesh, West Indies must now beat England and Bangladesh by large margins and hope for an unlikely combination of other results if it is to squeeze into the top four.

South Africa was sent in to bat first by West Indies captain Brian Lara and De Villiers’ first one-day century led it to a formidable 356 for four wickets. Jacques Kallis struck 81, before Herschelle Gibbs hit 61 and Mark Boucher 52 in the late onslaught.

De Villiers batted the late stages with a runner because of cramp, dehydration and heat exhaustion and did not field because he was on an intravenous drip after his 129-ball innings.

South Africa moved to six points in the Super 8s standings, four clear of West Indies and England, which also harbours hopes of qualifying. Australia and New Zealand lead with eight each, while Sri Lanka also has six.

West Indies highest successful run chase was the 300-3 it made in South Africa in 2004. That may have given it hope of victory, but three wickets in the first 12 overs effectively dashed its chances. ‒ Sapa-AP