Virat Kohli hit an imperious half-century to help India upstage South Africa by six wickets in the second semi-final in Dhaka on Friday to cruise into the World Twenty20 final.

 

Chasing 173 to win, the former champions were led by a swashbuckling knock of 72 not out by Kohli as they strolled to the target with five balls to spare.

 

This becomes India’s second final in five World Twenty20s after they won the inaugural event held in South Africa in 2007.

 

They meet Sri Lanka in the final in Dhaka on Sunday.

 

In contrast, South Africa, regarded as perennial chokers in crucial matches, yet again failed to reach any world level final since their readmission into cricket in 1991.

 

Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who will lead India to a triple crown if his team win the final with the 2011 World Cup (50 overs) and 2013 Champions Trophy in the bag, praised the run chase.

 

“Everybody saw that the wicket was better than those we have played on, and they believed they could chase this down. It is not just the self-belief, but the belief in each other that is crucial,” said Dhoni, praising Kohli.

 

“There are not many who are as consistent as Virat. It is great to have him at number three,” said Dhoni of Kohli who played just three dot balls in his innings.

 

South African captain Faf du Plessis praised India and Kohli.

 

“We put up a good total but the bad thing is, MS and his team know how to chase,” said Du Plessis. “They have done it many times and Virat played a great innings.”

 

Kohli smashed five boundaries and two sixes off 44 balls in a brilliant display of batting, highlighting India’s strength at chasing a target. (AFP)