Cricket-World-Cup-2015

South Africa moved into the World Cup quarter-finals with a 146-run victory over United Arab Emirates.

Proteas captain AB de Villiers top scored and was dismissed on 99 after useful contributions from Rilee Rossouw (43) and David Miller (49). Farhaan Behardien blasted 64 off 31 balls to take South Africa to 341-6, a total UAE never looked like reaching. Swapnil Patil scored an unbeaten 57 and Shaiman Anwar made 39 but UAE were bowled out for 195 in 47.3 overs.

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De Villiers subdued the opposition with his big hitting. His 99 came off 82 balls and included four sixes and six fours. Going for a drive to reach triple figures, he instead found an edge and was caught at third man in the 43rd over.

The South Africa lineup appeared scratchy at times after being sent in to bat Thursday, but piled on late runs to post a total of 341 for six. It was always going to be too much against the bottom-place team. The UAE was dismissed for 195 in the 48th over in response, with Swapnil Patil scoring an undefeated 57.

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But the South Africa lineup seemed far less assured in the first half of its innings, and it will have plenty to improve as it prepares for the knockout stage. The Proteas have been inconsistent in their pool games, twice posting 400-plus totals, against the West Indies and Ireland, but also losing to India and Pakistan.

The victory means South Africa finishes the group stage with eight points and likely in second place behind India in Pool B.