Spectacular Afridi takes Pakistan to final

NOTTINGHAM, England (Reuters) - Shahid Afridi gave a spectacular all-round performance to propel Pakistan to a seven-run victory over South Africa in their Twenty20 World Cup semi-final at Trent Bridge on Thursday.

Afridi scored 51 from 34 balls in Pakistan's 149 for four and then took two for 16 from his four overs as South Africa struggled to 142 for five.

Pakistan will meet the winners of Friday's semi-final between Sri Lanka and West Indies (5:30 p.m. British time) in the final at Lord's on Sunday at 2 p.m.

"It was our last chance, it was a semi-final, we don't have any other chances after that. It is good for our team and it is good for Pakistan cricket," Afridi told Sky Sports.

Afridi, batting at number three, finally recaptured the explosive form which makes him such a threat in one-day cricket.

He took four boundaries off an over from off-spinner Johan Botha, including a wristy glide to third man.

South Africa captain Graeme Smith opted to persevere with spin, tossing the ball to part-time off-spinner JP Duminy.

Afridi tried to crash Duminy's first ball through the leg-side but managed only to loft it to AB de Villiers at mid-wicket who completed the catch.

After Afridi's departure, only Shoaib Malik with 34 from 39 made any impact and Pakistan added just 29 from the last five overs with one boundary.