West Indies' captain Brian Lara leaves the pitch after being dismissed during their Super Eights match against South Africa in St. George's, Grenada, yesterday. - Reuters

THE WEST Indies' dream of becoming the first host nation to a win the Cricket World Cup on home soil was shattered by South Africa in Grenada yesterday.

A brutal display of batting saw the Proteas post an imposing total of 356 for four off their 50 overs, and it was simply too much for the hosts who reached 289 for nine off their allotment, as they lost by 67 runs and surrendered virtually any hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

With two games in the Super Eights phase still to play - against Bangladesh and England - the West Indies have a mere two points after four straight losses in the second part of the competition.

Unattainable points

That puts them an unattainable six behind leaders New Zealand and Australia, and a virtually uncatchable four in arrears of Sri Lanka and South Africa.

Sri Lanka, with three games to play, and South Africa, with two, need only to win one of their final matches to also be out of the Windies' reach.

England, with three games remaining and two points, have an outside chance of reaching the semis, but they must beat Bangladesh, who also have two points, today to keep their dream alive.

See report: Sports section