Chasing a total of 262, South Africa cruised to 192 for one with 13 overs to spare before collapsing to 251-6.

Things started to go wrong when opener Herschelle Gibbs was forced to retire with severe cramps and exhaustion when on 116.

"It was unfortunate for us," said Pollock. "He couldn't grip the bat with either hand. We can't have a go at him."

India captain Sourav Ganguly insisted he had not begun to doubt his side despite the partnership of 178 between Gibbs and Kallis.

"We knew we always had a chance once we (could) get the breakthrough," said Ganguly.

"It is just unbelievable that we are in the final once again. We played fantastic cricket and fought till the end.

"We grabbed our chances. Yuvraj Singh held a couple of splendid catches and we bowled well under pressure.

"We knew we had a chance when they needed 40 runs to win in the last four overs."

India will meet the winners of Friday's match between Australia and Sri Lanka in the final.