Champions Trophy semi-finals to see India-Sri Lanka, England-South Africa lock horns for right to play final

Defending champions Australia were a shadow of their former selves the loss of Ricky Ponting, Micheal Hussey to retirement, David Warner due to his bad behaviour and Michael Clarke to injury was showing in the losses in all their matches save a rain-washed clash with New Zealand.

India played like champions to be unbeaten in their league games even though they were placed in the group considered the group of death with the likes of good group performers South Africa, T20 champions West Indies and the unpredictable Pakistan team in their group.

As India and South Africa appeared as clear semi-finalists the other group saw a mix of losses and wins and so the last group match Sri Lanka vs Australia was a virtual quarter-final.

Sri Lanka needed to win first and had the mathematical possibility of topping their group but the 50-over World Cup finalists managed to defeat a ragged Australian team and finish second in their group with England topping.

Semi-final action

India and Sri Lanka going head-to-head will be a treat for fans at Cardiff as the Asian presence in England has ensured that in the home of cricket the stands are full with lively enjoyment and cheer.

The 50-over World Cup finalists will both be raring to go as Sri Lanka will be looking for a turn-around of the 2011 result in Mumbai while India will be hoping for a repeat. India are the team in form with an unbeaten run in the tournament so far and the clash between the subcontinent rivals will be a closely fought encounter.

Both teams have excellent batsmen and bowlers and more or less know each others game well.

England and South Africa both will be desperate to win their semi-final clash as the hosts will be looking for momentum before the Ashes start next month as well as adding silverware to the T20 trophy they won earlier. South Africa on the other hand have been wearing the choker tag for very long, a win in the tournament will rid them of being called under performers.

AB de Villiers and his team will want to win this match and go on to win the tournament as a farewell gift to departing coach Gary Kirsten who is set to leave the team after this tournament ends.

All four teams will give they all and both matches are set to be a mouth-watering clash for fans of the 50-over game.