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:
Pls carry on to the final. #Kannekalaimaane https://t.co/y7J9OK6IFd pic.twitter.com/alz7b195rX
— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) June 27, 2024
Proteas with the bit between their teeth!
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 27, 2024
It’s been destructive poetry in motion.
Beautiful to watch
Afghanistan still suffering a bit of cramp, limited footwork. @ProteasMenCSA on fire. #T20WorldCup2024 #SAvAFG
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) June 27, 2024
2023: South Africa Women become finalists at the T20 World Cup for the first time; captain: Sune Luus
— Annesha Ghosh (@ghosh_annesha) June 27, 2024
2024: South Africa Men become finalists at the T20 World Cup for the first time; captain: Aiden Markram#T20WoldCup | #RSA | #SouthAfrica
Years of waiting are finally over! Aiden Markram’s team becomes the first senior South African men’s side to reach an ICC Cricket World Cup final 🔥 Set up beautifully by the bowlers and guided home by sensible batting as they beat Afghanistan in the first semi 🙌 #T20WorldCup
— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) June 27, 2024
Outstanding from Afghanistan in this #ICCT20WorldCup. They can leave with their heads held high. Going ahead they probably need a solid middle order player. Maybe Rahmat Shah if he can adapt
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2024
The final!
— Firdose Moonda (@FirdoseM) June 27, 2024
Oh to be a South African in the last 18 months.
Women's T20 Cup final, Banyana into the last 16 at a World Cup, Springboks World Cup winners, Bafana best AFCON since 2000 and now...
A men's Cricket World Cup FINAL!
Yes please. #cricket #T20WorldCup
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