Imran Tahir helps Proteas register first knockout win in WC

An impressive four wicket bowling-display from Imran Tahir helped South Africa thrash Sri Lanka by nine wickets to register their maiden World Cup knock-out win on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka's captain Angelo Mathews won the toss and opted to bat first, but his decision backfired as Sri Lanka's openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kusal Perera fell in the first five overs for just four.

South Africa's fast bowlers had operated for the first 15 overs and made life difficult for Sri Lanka's experienced middle-order, who managed just 50.

Tahir and his spinning-partner JP Duminy took advantage of a neat early-spell from their fast bowlers.

Tahir, currently the fourth-highest wicket taker with 15 wickets in seven matches, came to the fore in the 16th over and struck.

He first dismissed Lahiru Thirimanne for 41 and then the dangerous Mahela Jayawardene for just four. The double-blow started the collapse, which Sri Lanka failed to contain.

Duminy took three-more wickets and added to the oppositions woes and left them in tatters at 116 for eight wickets in 35 overs.

Tahir added two-more wicket in his second spell and helped the Proteas dismiss Sri Lanka for just 133. It took just 18 overs for South Africa's batsmen to take their team home and into the Semi-finals. Quinton de Kock top-scored for South Africa with a 57-ball 78.