Match report: India win, both teams go home

Source: cricinfo.com

• India 152/6 (Raina 45, Dhoni 23) defeated South Africa 151 ( du Plessis 65, Khan 3/22)

Summary:
South Africa has lost three wickets in the final six balls of its innings to hand India victory in the final Super Eight game, which effectively became a dead rubber. India got off to a stuttering start, dropping to 36/3 before some solid middle-order batting - headed by Suresh Raina - guided the Indians past 150. South Africa similarly got off to a poor start losing two wickets in the early overs but appeared to be cruising at 107/4 (thanks largely to Faf du Pessis) in the 15th over. But from then on they lost 6 for 44, to exit the Super Eights stage without a win.

Hollow victory:
To be able to claim a place in the semi finals, either India or South Africa had to record a massive win to boost their overall net run-rate. But it quickly became apparent that it would not be the case as the match headed toward a thrilling but ultimately meaningless conclusion. South Africa needed 14 to win of the last over, and got a great start with a six from Albie Morkel. Morkel was out next ball and was replaced by his brother Morne who also struck a six to leave South Africa with two runs to get from the last two balls. However bowler Lakshmipathy Balaji held his nerve to dismiss Morne and seal the win.

Who's hot:
India: Suresh Raina made his third valuable contribution with the bat for his team this tournament with 45. Occasionally maligned players Zaheer Khan and Yuvraj Singh also helped set up the Indian victory.
South Africa: Faf du Plesssis was making only his second appearance in the tournament, and responded with his highest T20 score. Robin Peterson and Morne Morkel were the pick of the bowlers, and Morkel almost win it at the death.

What it means:
India: Will be heading home despite winning two out of three Super Eight games. The heavy defeat against Australia turned out to be the defining result for India, as it made it too difficult to recover and qualify for the semi's.
South Africa: After such a promising start, went winless through the Super Eight stage which may reinforce the belief that South Africa struggle on the big stage.

The Votes:
MVP: 3- Y Singh (21 and 2/23), 2- F du Plessis (almost got South Africa home), Z Khan (3/22 and started South African collapse)
Tucker Trophy: 1- JP Duminy (struggled to score quickly), 2- J Kallis (finished tournament with another disappointing performance), 3- J Botha (30 runs off three overs)