In a decisive match, on Wednesday (September 30, 2009), Australia beat Pakistan by two wickets so that both teams qualified for the semi-finals while Pakistan’s defeat ended the hopes of India to make it into the semis of the Champions Trophy Cricket Tournament in South Africa.

Defending champion Australia won the toss and put Pakistan to batting first. Pakistan scored 205vfor 6 wickets in 50 overs, an easy target for the Aussies who chased it rapidly at first but slowed down later and enjoyed the match’s tempo till the last ball when they needed a single run to win the match – and that they did while two of their wickets remained not-out. With four points still in pocket, Pakistan made it to the semis. However, India lost its hopes of reaching the semis as India was left with only 3 points while the victory gave Australia a sum of 5 points to move on into the semis.

Australia now meets England in the first semi-final at SuperSport Park (Centurion) on Friday, October 02, 2009 while other semi-final, between Pakistan and New Zealand, is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2009 at Wanderers (Johannesburg).