South Africa crush Afghanistan to reach their first men’s World Cup final
South Africa’s revitalized cricketing resurgence has propelled them to their first final in an ICC men’s event since 1998. This halted Afghanistan’s impressive run in the inaugural 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal in Trinidad. Shedding past burdens, the Proteas clinched their maiden victory in a men’s World Cup semifinal. After eight previous attempts across T20 and ODI formats. They now await the outcome of the India vs England clash in Guyana to determine their final opponent. South Africa crush Afghanistan to reach their first T20 World Cup final.
Dominance with the Ball
On a lively pitch, SA fast bowlers led the charge by dismantling Afghan. Who were bowled out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs – their lowest total in this format. Marco Jansen (3-16), Kagiso Rabada (2-14), and Anrich Nortje (2-7) took seven wickets. While Tabraiz Shamsi contributed three lower-order dismissals to his impressive tournament tally. This collective effort swiftly ended Afghanistan’s batting ordeal.
Smooth Sailing in the Chase
Despite challenging pitch conditions, South Africa‘s pursuit of victory was largely untroubled. They began their march in Barbados with a commanding nine-wicket triumph. Achieving their target with a remarkable 67 balls to spare.
The Toss and its Crucial Impact
The turning point of this semifinal unfolded right at the toss. Rashid Khan won and opted to bat, unaware that conditions would heavily favor the bowlers with swing. Seam movement, variable bounce, and an aggressive pace attack.
Afghanistan’s Early Collapse
Afghanistan‘s innings started disastrously during the PowerPlay, losing half of their team early on. By the end of the phase, their score stood at a precarious 28 for 5. With a run rate of 4.67 and no boundaries hit.
Impactful Bowling Performances
In Marco Jansen’s second over, Gulbadin Naib fell, despite hitting two boundaries. To a delivery that maintained low and crashed on his off-stump. After that, Kagiso Rabada bowled a double-wicket maiden over, getting rid of Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi with consecutive deliveries. Marco Jansen claimed his fifth victim when he got rid of Nangeyalia Kharote.
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Middle Overs: Wrapping Up Afghanistan
During the middle overs, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi played pivotal roles in swiftly wrapping up Afghanistan‘s innings. Anrich Nortje reduced them to 28 for 6 before Shamsi secured three LBW decisions. Extending his tournament wickets tally to 11 in four games.
South Africa’s Confident Start
South Africa made a steady start during the Power Play. Reaching 34 for 1 by the end of the phase with a run rate of 5.67. Five boundaries, navigating tricky pitch conditions.
Closing in on Victory
In the middle overs, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram steered . South Africa to their first-ever T20 World Cup final, requiring only 26 runs without loss after the PowerPlay. Hendricks showcased his class with exquisite drives, sealing victory with a resounding six and a boundary off Azmatullah Omarzai.
Conclusion: What Lies Ahead
Afghanistan, dismissed for 56 in 11.5 overs lost comprehensively to South Africa. Who cruised to 60/1 in 8.5 overs sealing victory by 9 wickets.
Future Prospects
What lies ahead for both teams? South Africa advances to uncharted territory with a World Cup final, a historic achievement for the Proteas. Meanwhile, Afg concludes an inspirational campaign despite their tournament exit, returning home with heads held high.