The South African team again proved why they are called chokers. Being a strong opponent, they lost all the major tournament of ICC, and winning against India in Champions Trophy is not a thing that is included in their schedule. Match on 11th June was a virtual quarter final for both India as well as South Africa. However, chasing a target of 192 runs, India defeated South Africa by 8 wickets.
Toss was won by India and they opted to bowl first. This time, Ashwin got a chance in the playing 11, and he picked the first wicket for India proving that he deserved the chance. South Africa got a decent start but not for so long. Partnership for first wicket went on for 76 runs as Ashwin picked the wicket of Hashim Amla(35 off 54). Quinton de Kock(53 off 72) scored a half century but was later bowled by Ravindra Jadeja. From then, the batting order of South Africa seemed to collapse with only Faf du Plessis(36 off 50) making it past 30 runs. AB de Villiers scored 16, David Miller scored 1 and JP Duminy ended up scoring 20 runs. In 44.3 overs, whole South African team was to pavilion by the Indian bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah displayed excellent piece of bowling taking 2 wickets each. Ashwin, Hardik Pandya and Jadeja bagged 1 wicket each.
South Africa gave an easy target of 192 runs to India. In the chase, Rohit Sharma(12 off 20) got out early but Shikhar Dhawan(78 off 83) and run machine Virat Kohli (76 off 101) led team India towards victory. Yuvraj Singh also played a knock of 23 runs off 25 balls. Team India won in just 38 overs by 8 wickets, clearing their way into the semi-finals. From South Africa Morne Morkel and Imran Tahir took 1 wicket each.
India will clash with Bangladesh in the semi-final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 on 15th June at Edgbaston, Birmingham.