South Africa bundled out Afghanistan for 56 runs in the first T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final on Wednesday (June 26).

Less than 48 hours after qualifying for the T20 World Cup semi-final for the first time, Afghanistan’s fortunes turned upside down. In anticlimactic fashion, they were bowled out for 56 runs in 11.5 overs with South Africa’s pace trio of Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje breathing fire.

Rashid Khan’s decision to bat first after winning the toss backfired as they lost the in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the first over to Jansen, who also eliminated Gulbadin Naib for nine off eight balls two overs later. Afghanistan stood no chance thereafter, as Rabada removed Ibrahim Zadran (2) and Mohammad Nabi (0) in a double-wicket maiden.

Afghanistan’s 20-4 soon became 23-5, then 28-6. Anrich Nortje (2-7) and Tabraiz Shamsi (3-6) did the rest as Afghanistan slumped to the lowest score in a T20 World Cup knockout match. The previous record, 101, was held by West Indies and Sri Lanka against each other.

In reply, South Africa made light work of the target by chasing it in 8.5 overs with nine wickets remaining. They will now face the winner of the second semi-final in Guyana, to be played between India and England.

Social media were in awe of South Africa's inspiring performance that set up the important clash for them. Here’s how people reacted to South Africa’s entry to the final of the T20 World Cup:

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