GROS ISLET: The 78-run partnership between Harry Brook and Liam Livingstone may prove to be crucial for England`s semi-final hopes even though it fell just short of getting them a victory over South Africa in the T20 World Cup on Friday, captain Jos Buttler said.

Brook and Livingstone`s fifth-wicket stand helped the defending champions get within seven runs of the target, creating a clearer path to semis despite hosts West Indies pulling ahead in the group with a dominant ninewicket win over the United States.

Opener Quinton de Kock`s typically dashing 65 was the cornerstone of South Africa`s seemingly modest 163-6 after they lost the toss. Anrich Nortje then denied England the 14 runs they needed off the last over as they finished on 156-6.

`I think Brook and Livingstone had a fantastic partnership on a slow wicket where other guys struggled,` Buttler told reporters in Gros Islet.

`The big picture is obviously net run rate. We`re still in it and we`re looking ahead to the next one.

Brook almost turned the game England`s way before he fell off the first ball of the last over when South Africa captain Aiden Markram held a superb running catch over his shoulder.

`It was a great catch and that`s what South Africa have prided themselves on over a long period of time, said Buttler. `They`ve always had great fielders, you think of Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs, AB de Villiers. They`ve always been a great fielding team.

Buttler said the powerplay had been decisive, with South Africa 63-0 off the first six overs compared to their opponents` 41-1.

`I`d say it was lost in the powerplay,` Buttler said.

West Indies, tied with England on two points, rose to second place in Group Two thanks to a superior net run rate of 1.814. Third-placed England have a net run rate of 0.412, close to leaders South Africa (0.625) who have four points.

This makes it easier for England to overtake South Africa`s net run rate with a win over the US on Sunday, if the leaders lose to West Indies. If South Africa win, England would ensure second place outright with four points.

South Africa, who have won all six matches in the tournament, now face a potential do-or-die scenario where a loss to West Indies may leave them out of the top two and a place in the semis.-Agencies