It was heartbreak time for Sri Lanka, who did everything except wrap it up, when Shaun Pollock's men had all but given up -- first at 76 for seven and then at 96 for nine -- still 35 runs away from victory in the first semi-finals.

Boje (20 not out) stood firm during those tense 68 deliveries, mostly shielding an inexperienced Dawson (15 not out), to blunt a tremendous fightback from the Lankans. The young left-arm spinner had earlier played the first act in his heroic effort claiming four for 16 in a spell, made to look all the more awesome by an under-prepared track at the PKNS Ground, where the ball virtually turned square on occasions.

Boje struck after a steady 53 from opener Aviska Gunawardana carried the Lankans to a healthy 117 for four in the 33rd over, before the last sixwickets crashed for the addition of 13 runs.

South Africa now await the winners of Thursday's other semi-final between Australia and New Zealand in Saturday's final at the same venue.

Pollock, leading South Africa in the absence of seven regulars including captain Hansie Cronje, said, ``Full marks to Boje and Dawson for seeing us through. We did not bat well at all and it is a miracle that we are still in the competition.''

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 130 in 44 overs (A Gunawardana 53; N.Boje 4/16) lost to South Africa 131 for nine in 47 overs (M Rindel 25, N Boje 20 no).