World Twenty20: Marlon Samuels steers Windies into semi-finals as Proteas fade

The 2012 champions looked comfortable for most of their run chase but leg-spinner Imran Tahir struck twice in consecutive deliveries in his last over to haul his side back into the game

West Indies Marlon Samuels bats during their ICC World Twenty20 2016 cricket match against South Africa (AP)

West Indies beat South Africa by three wickets in a low-scoring thriller at the World Twenty20 to join New Zealand in the semi-finals.

The West Indian attack responded brilliantly to captain Darren Sammy’s decision to bowl first on a slow pitch offering help as they restricted South Africa to 122 for 8.

The 2012 champions looked comfortable for most of their run chase but leg-spinner Imran Tahir struck twice in consecutive deliveries in his last over to haul his side back into the game. Marlon Samuels, named man of the match for his 44, was then removed by paceman Chris Morris in the penultimate over.

Carlos Brathwaite calmed West Indian jitters, however, when he hit a six off paceman Kagiso Rabada as West Indies clinched a third successive win, with two balls to spare.

Earlier, opener Quinton de Kock (47) played a disciplined innings to rescue South Africa after they slumped to 47 for 5 in the ninth over.

De Kock added 50 for the sixth wicket with David Wiese (28) to give his team a competitive total to defend.

Chris Gayle, Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo picked up two wickets apiece for West Indies who retained the same side that beat Sri Lanka in their last match in Bangalore. South Africa, who have never lifted the trophy but were one of the pre-tournament favourites, have two points from three Group One games and look like going out.

Earlier, Steve Smith and Shane Watson blasted Pakistan out of the tournament as Australia kept their hopes alive with a 21-run victory in Mohali.

Smith, the Australia captain, thrashed 61 from 43 balls, sharing an unbroken stand of 74 with Watson, who added 44 from just 21 deliveries, as they posted 193 for 4.

Pakistan made a decent fist of their chase, but with the required rate climbing, James Faulkner took 5 for 27 at the death as Pakistan finished on 172 for 8.

Having already lost to Group Two pacesetters New Zealand and India, Pakistan’s third defeat of the tournament sees them bow out, but Australia now face hosts India tomorrow with the winner joining New Zealand in the semi-final.