KING KOHLI A CRUSHER

VIRAT KOHLI praised India’s bowlers for applying the stranglehold as South Africa suffered yet another choke.

India sealed a Champions Trophy semi-final after romping home by eight wickets with 12 overs to spare at the Oval after the Proteas – not for the first time – melted on the big occasion.

South Africa’s wretched collapse to 191 all out, losing eight wickets for 51, included three run-outs.

Indian captain Kohli (above), who saw them home with an unbeaten 76, said: “The pressure was built by the bowlers and that resulted in the breakthroughs we enjoyed in the field.”

Despite his side’s flop, South African skipper AB de Villiers insisted they could still win the 2019 World Cup and indicated that he wants to lead them into it.

De Villiers said: “I’m a good captain, I can take this team forward.

“Not a lot of people believe me but I feel it is pretty close.

“It’s very difficult to say it after a performance like that, but that is what I believe in my heart.”