Sports

India beat West Indies to qualify for Champions Trophy semi-finals

India successfully chased the target of 234 runs in just 39.1 overs.

Afp June 11, 2013

india 039 s shikhar dhawan celebrates as he reaches his century during the icc champions trophy group b match against the west indies at the oval cricket ground london england june 11 2013 photo reuters

India's Shikhar Dhawan celebrates as he reaches his century during the ICC Champions Trophy group B match against the West Indies at The Oval cricket ground, London England June 11, 2013. PHOTO: REUTERS

LONDON: India defeated the West Indies by eight wickets at the Oval on Tuesday to qualify for the Champions Trophy semi-finals, a result that knocked arch-rivals Pakistan out of the race.

India raced past West Indies' 233-9 in 39.1 overs, Shikhar Dhawan making an unbeaten 102 after sharing century partnerships with Rohit Sharma (52) and Dinesh Karthik (51 not out).

It was India's second successive win in group B, ensuring them a place in the semi-finals even before their last league match against winless Pakistan in Birmingham on Saturday.

The West Indies and South Africa, who both beat Pakistan, clash in Cardiff on Friday to determine the second semi-finalist from the group.

India's win means that it is almost impossible for Pakistan to qualify for the next stage of the competition.