Chittagong – South Africa beat former champions England by three runs in Chittagong on Saturday to reach the semi-finals of the World Twenty20.

South Africa put up the tournament’s highest total of 196-5 before keeping England down to 193-7 in 20 overs in a Group One match played at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury stadium.

The defeat put 2010 champions England out of the semi-final race after two losses in three games.

South Africa, playing without their captain Faf du Plessis who was suspended for slow over-rate, were guided by stand-in skipper AB de Villiers who hit a 28-ball 69 not out and a 37-ball 56 by Hashim Amla.

South Africa are the second team to qualify for the semis after India cruised to the last four from Group Two.

AFP