Karachi: South Africa cruised into the Champions Trophy semifinals in dominant fashion, defeating England by seven wickets to top Group B here on Saturday.

Opting to bat, England were bundled out for 179 in 38.2 overs as South Africa’s bowlers delivered a disciplined performance.

With the modest target ensuring their semifinal berth by the innings break, the Proteas comfortably chased it down in 29.1 overs to finish with five points, two ahead of Australia.

They will now face the Group A runners-up in the semifinals, with India and New Zealand set to battle for Group A placings in Dubai on Sunday.

Rassie van der Dussen anchored the chase with a composed 72 not out off 86 balls (6x4, 3x6), while Heinrich Klaasen, returning from injury, smashed a fluent 64 off 56 balls (11x4) in a 127 run stand.

Brief Scores:

England 179; 38.3 overs (Joe Root 37; Marco Jansen 3/39, Wiaan Mulder 3/25, Keshav Maharaj 2/35).

South Africa 181/3; 29.1 overs (Rassie van der Dussen 72, Heinrich Klaasen 64).