Pakistan have delighted their supporters by beating South Africa in the World Twenty20 semi-final.

A seven-run win over the tournament favourites at Trent Bridge left south Nottingham gridlocked as the success was celebrated long and hard by fans with near incessant hooting of car horns.

It was a special moment for captain Younus Khan as he reflected on what the performance would mean not only to those present in the crowd, but the population back in Pakistan, where political violence continues to destabilize the country.

South Africa were forced to reflect on yet another one that got away, losing their fourth semi-final at a major ICC tournament.

Pakistan had reached a vulnerable-looking total of 149 for four, helped by 51 from Shahid Afridi, but South Africa could not chase the total with Afridi achieving figures of two for 16.

"We know it will give a big lift to everyone back home if we can win this competition," said Younus.

"This World Cup is everything to us."

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