Philander steers South Africa to final

Vernon Philander took his burgeoning international career a further step forward when he bowled South Africa into Sunday's final of the four-team Emerging Players tournament in Brisbane.

The South Africans inflicted a crushing 242-run defeat on the previously unbeaten New Zealand A side and also seized the psychological high ground as they will play the same team in the final.

Philander took 5/18 and was well supported by Friedel de Wet (3/28) as New Zealand, captained by Test player James Marshall, crumbled to 81 all out.

This was in response to the South African total of 323/6 declared, in which Johan Botha and Justin Ontong scored half-centuries.

The tour has been a huge success and has put coach Kepler Wessels back to the forefront as one of the SA's premier coaches.

In addition to their limited-overs success, the team won two of their three Pro20 matches, losing only to New Zealand.

Significantly, they have been unbeaten against the Australian Academy team, which is made up mainly of first-class players.

Morne Morkel has been the outstanding fast bowler at the tournament, while Philander has been the best all-rounder.

Alviro Petersen has been the most consistent of the SA batsmen, although there have also been fine contributions from Justin Ontong and Goolam Bodi.

The South Africans play their final round robin match against Australia on Friday.