ICC World Cup 2015: De Villiers and Behardien help South Africa register comfortable win over UAE

South Africa have confirmed a second place finish in Group B after defeating the United Arab Emirates in their final group stage fixture of the 2015 ICC World Cup at Westpac Stadium, Wellington, on Thursday.

The African side posted a total of 341 runs from their 50 overs, while losing six wickets in the process. In reply, UAE were bowled out for 195 runs as South Africa sealed a 146-run win.

The Proteas were asked to bat first after UAE won the toss. AB de Villiers was the star of match after he top scored with 9 runs. He was well supported by David Miller, who was dismissed on 49.

Farhaan Behardien was brought back into the team and he utilised the opportunity by scoring 64 runs off 31 balls, that included five fours and three sixes down the order.

De Villiers, Behardien and Miller's contribution at different stages of the game helped South Africa achieve 341 runs.

In reply, UAE lost wickets at regular intervals from the very beginning of their innings. Shaiman Anwarand (39) and Swapnil Patil's unbeaten knock of 57 helped Mohammad Tauqir's side reach a total of 195 runs, before being bowled out in the 48<sup>th over.

The South African skipper was named the man of the match for his impressive display with the bat and ball as he claimed two wickets as well. In the quarter finals, South Africa will face the team which finishes third in Group A and could be Sri Lanka if Australia and New Zealand win their respective fixtures.

After losing the match, UAE captain Tauqir said: "We bowled well until 44-45 overs. In batting it was a good knock by Swapnil Patil. We batted almost 50 overs so it is a big positive. It has given us a lot of confidence. They have got some amazing bowlers. We are not used to playing this kind of bowlers."