South Africa spinner Imran Tahir has expressed his gratitude towards his teammates after putting in a man-of-the-match performance against Sri Lanka in their World Cup quarter-final.

The Proteas secured their first knockout win of the tournament with a nine-wicket triumph at the Sydney Cricket Ground today.

Tahir took 4-26 to help bowl Sri Lanka all out for 133, before Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis led South Africa to glory.

"I can't complain," BBC Sport quotes Tahir as saying. "All my hard work paid off. I've been thinking about this game. I've got everything from South Africa so I feel I have to pay the country back.

"I'm really pleased and honoured to be part of this team and to do my part. If you look at our team, there are some really good and some great players. To be playing with them is a dream come true for me.

"It's just a great feeling and that's what motivates me every day. We've been working really hard for this and we're hoping for another two good games."

Bangladesh and India will go head to head for a semi-final spot in Melbourne tomorrow.