The semi-final match between Afghanistan and South Africa was an unexpected turn of events for fans. Held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, South Africa delivered a stunning performance, defeating Afghanistan by an impressive margin of 9 wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. From the outset, the Proteas asserted their dominance, bowling out Afghanistan for a mere 56 runs in just 11.5 overs.
Supporting their formidable bowling attack, South Africa’s disciplined batting display quickly chased down the target in only 8.5 overs, finishing with 9 wickets in hand. This comprehensive victory secures South Africa’s place in the T20 World Cup final for the first time in their history.
Batsman | Runs | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate | Out By |
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | c Reeza Hendricks b Marco Jansen |
Ibrahim Zadran | 25 | 40 | 0 | 1 | 62.5 | b Kagiso Rabada |
Gulbadin Naib | 9 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 112.5 | b Marco Jansen |
Azmatullah Omarzai | 10 | 12 | 0 | 1 | 83.33 | c Tristan Stubbs b Anrich Nortje |
Mohammad Nabi | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100 | b Kagiso Rabada |
Nangeyalia Kharote | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 87.5 | c Quinton de Kock b Marco Jansen |
Karim Janat | 8 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 61.54 | lbw b Tabraiz Shamsi |
Rashid Khan (c) | 8 | 10 | 0 | 1 | 80 | b Anrich Nortje |
Noor Ahmad | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | lbw b Tabraiz Shamsi |
Naveen-ul-Haq | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40 | lbw b Tabraiz Shamsi |
Fazalhaq Farooqi | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100 | Not Out |
Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs Given | Wickets | Economy Rate |
Marco Jansen | 3 | 0 | 16 | 3 | 5.33 |
Keshav Maharaj | 1 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 6 |
Kagiso Rabada | 3 | 0 | 14 | 2 | 4.67 |
Anrich Nortje | 3 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 2.33 |
Tabraiz Shamsi | 1.5 | 0 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
Batsman | Runs | Balls Faced | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate | Out By |
Quinton de Kock (wk) | 5 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 62.5 | b Fazalhaq Farooqi |
Reeza Hendricks | 29* | 25 | 3 | 0 | 116 | Not Out |
Aiden Markram (c) | 23* | 21 | 2 | 0 | 109.52 | Not Out |
Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs Given | Wickets | Economy Rate |
Naveen-ul-Haq | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | 5 |
Fazalhaq Farooqi | 2 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 5.5 |
Rashid Khan (c) | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
Azmatullah Omarzai | 1.5 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 9.82 |
Gulbadin Naib | 1 | 0 | 8 | 0 | 8 |
Afghanistan’s batting struggles highlighted the one-sided nature of the match. The openers, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0 off 3) and Ibrahim Zadran, fell quickly, failing to establish momentum. Despite regular wickets falling, Gulbadin Naib (9 off 8) and Azmatullah Omarzai (10 off 12) managed to pose a brief challenge.
However, the middle and lower order succumbed entirely to the relentless South African bowling attack. Karim Janat (8 off 13) faced the most deliveries but could not provide stability. Tabraiz Shamsi, South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner, emerged as the most effective bowler, claiming three wickets for just six runs in 1.5 overs. The combined efforts of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, each taking two wickets, further dismantled the Afghan batting lineup, restricting them to a mere 56 runs.
With a relentless and clinical bowling attack, South Africa precisely dismantled the Afghan batting order. Marco Jansen was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 16 runs after three consecutive tight overs. Kagiso Rabada (2/14) and Anrich Nortje (2/23) provided excellent support, consistently applying pressure and claiming two wickets each. Tabraiz Shamsi further showcased the vulnerabilities of the Afghan lineup with his outstanding leg-spin, finishing with figures of 3 wickets for just 6 runs. Keshav Maharaj also delivered a tidy over, conceding only six runs in his solitary over.
For those looking to bet on the T20 World Cup, South African players present an enticing opportunity to earn significant returns.
In the chase, South Africa’s openers, Quinton de Kock (5) and Reeza Hendricks (29*), ensured a straightforward victory over the modest target of 57 runs. Hendricks anchored the innings with a composed 29 off 25 balls, while De Kock was dismissed early by Fazalhaq Farooqi (1/15). Aiden Markram (23* off 21) joined Hendricks at the crease, contributing to a flawless chase that concluded in just 8.5 overs. With only Farooqi claiming a wicket, Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to pose any real threat.
South Africa’s strong performance underscores their determination to claim their first T20 World Cup title. Eager to lift the trophy, they await their opponent in the final.
Check out more related topics: India vs. England T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final Recap – India Dominates England by 68 Runs, Secures Spot in T20 World Cup Final
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