CARDIFF, Wales – Gutsy West Indies were eliminated from the Champions Trophy in remarkable and unfortunate circumstances after their rain-marred Group B match against South Africa ended in a tie on the Duckworth Lewis method. The West Indies, who had to win the match to go through to the last four, were exactly level on the Duckworth/Lewis system for rain-affected matches at 190 for six off 26.1 overs.
Both teams finished on three points but the South Africans have advanced on the strength of a better net run rate.
The heavens opened up again to bring an early end to the game as the Caribbean side chased the target.
Kieron Pollard’s wicket at a crucial point proved to be the turning point in the game.
If Pollard had kept his wicket intact, after scoring a 23-ball 28, West Indies would have been the winners and would have advanced along with India from Group B.
But the hard-hitting batsman was dismissed by Ryan McLaren just before the rain intervened, dashing West Indies hopes of earning a semifinal berth.
West Indies needed 41 runs off 4.5 overs when play was called off and at that stage, they were required to have scored 193 for six under D/L method. (See full story on Page 30.