Match Overview
South Africa and Afghanistan faced off in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup on June 27, 2024. The match, held in Trinidad, saw South Africa breaking their semi-final jinx with a commanding nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan, advancing to their first T20 World Cup final.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Afghanistan’s Batting Collapse
Winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first but struggled against the disciplined South African bowling attack. Marco Jansen led the charge with impressive figures of 3/16, dismantling the top order. Afghanistan were bowled out for a paltry 56, their lowest total in T20I history and the lowest in a T20 World Cup semi-final.
Key Moments in Afghanistan’s Innings:
- Marco Jansen’s Early Strikes: Jansen’s opening spell put Afghanistan on the back foot, with crucial early wickets.
- Kagiso Rabada’s Double Blow: Rabada’s first over saw him take two wickets, further deepening Afghanistan’s troubles.
- Tabraiz Shamsi’s Spin Magic: Shamsi wrapped up the tail, finishing with figures of 3/10, as Afghanistan were bowled out in just 12.4 overs.
South Africa’s Clinical Chase
Chasing 57, South Africa faced an early hiccup with the dismissal of Quinton de Kock. However, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram ensured there were no further surprises. They guided South Africa to victory in just 8.5 overs.
Key Moments in South Africa’s Chase:
- Early Dismissal of De Kock: Farooqi gave Afghanistan a glimmer of hope by dismissing De Kock early.
- Steady Partnership: Hendricks and Markram played sensibly, keeping the scoreboard ticking and capitalizing on loose deliveries.
- Historic Win: Hendricks’ six off a no-ball by Omarzai sealed the win, marking South Africa’s entry into their first T20 World Cup final.
Player of the Match
Marco Jansen was awarded the Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performance, which set the tone for South Africa’s dominant win.
Jansen’s Reaction:
“Awesome feeling. The guys played really well, we executed perfectly. We just wanted to stick to our plan, bowl good lengths, and see how the wicket reacts. The wicket was getting a bit open, and it was about keeping it simple. We will enjoy tonight and be on our way again.”
South Africa’s comprehensive victory over Afghanistan not only ended their semi-final jinx but also showcased their all-round strength. They will now look forward to the final, where they aim to win their first T20 World Cup title. Afghanistan, despite their spirited campaign, will need to regroup and address their batting frailties to perform better in future tournaments.