ICC T20 World Cup: South Africa Thrash Afghanistan to Reach Maiden T20 World Cup Final
Reported By Varad Bhatkhande
Trinidad and Tobago, 27th June 2024: South Africa displayed a commanding performance in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024, routing Afghanistan for just 56 runs. Their fast bowlers took early wickets, dismantling Afghanistan’s top order within the first five overs. This collapse set the stage for South Africa’s clinical victory, achieved with nine wickets and 67 balls to spare.
Despite losing Quinton de Kock early, Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks guided South Africa through a challenging chase on the tricky Tarouba pitch. Known for nervous performances in knockout stages, South Africa showcased resilience and control throughout the match. Their bowlers capitalized on the pitch conditions, maintaining pressure and fielding sharply to restrict Afghanistan.
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada led the charge with Jansen dismissing key batters like Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib early on, while Rabada delivered a devastating double-wicket maiden over. Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi continued the onslaught, with Nortje claiming crucial wickets and Shamsi using his leg-stump line to dismantle Afghanistan’s middle order.
Despite Afghanistan’s bowlers, including Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, attempting to defend their low total, South Africa’s top order remained composed. Farooqi struck early to dismiss de Kock, but Markram and Hendricks steadied the chase, capitalizing on loose deliveries to secure victory in the ninth over.
South Africa’s comprehensive win not only secured their first-ever berth in a men’s World Cup final but also extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to eight matches. The margin of victory underscored their dominance throughout the match, highlighting their readiness for the final showdown.
The Proteas are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the India vs England match, which will take place in the coming hours, to determine their opponent in the final.
