Australia lose to South Africa by 10 runs, second on points table

MANCHESTER: David Warner smashed a brilliant 122 but could not claim victory for Australia as they slipped to a 10-run defeat to South Africa in their World Cup clash at Old Trafford on Saturday, leaving them facing a semifinal against England. The result allowed India to take over at the top of the table at the end of the first stage, meaning Australia will battle the host nation at Edgbaston on Thursday, while the Indians meet New Zealand at Old Trafford on Tuesday. Already-eliminated South Africa chose to bat and a century from captain Faf du Plessis took them to 325/6 in their 50 overs, a total boosted by Rassie van der Dussen’s well-constructed 95. Australia were in trouble early in their innings and a hamstring injury to number three batsman Usman Khawaja saw him retire hurt, and put the rest of his tournament in jeopardy, but they rallied magnificently before being bowled out for 315 with one ball remaining.

Brief Scores: South Africa: 325/6 in 50 overs (F du Plessis 100, HE van der Dussen 95; M Starc 2/59, N Lyon 2/53); Australia: 315 all out in 49.5 overs (D Warner 122, A Carey 85; K Rabada 3/56)

Sarfaraz, team members to face media back home  

Karachi: The Pakistan team is scheduled to return home from the UK on Sunday morning after their exit from the World Cup and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed along with a few other players are set to face the media. Pakistan failed to make the semifinals of the 50-over showpiece despite having same points as the fourth qualified team, NZ, having lost out on the basis of the net run-rate. — Agencies