T20 World Cup, 1st Semi-final
This match could have been renamed T10 as it was quickly over in the first 10 overs of this match.
Afghanistan 56 (11.5 overs): Omarzai 10 (12); Shamsi 3-6, Jansen 3-16
South Africa 60-1 (8.5 overs): Hendricks 29 (25), Markram 23 (21)
South Africa won by nine wickets
South African Bowlers Shine in Historic Victory
South Africa ended their run of semi-final heartache by thrashing Afghanistan to reach their first men's T20 World Cup final. The Proteas, who had failed to progress from all seven of their previous World Cup semi-finals across formats, dismissed Afghanistan for 56 in 11.5 overs on a difficult pitch on their way to a nine-wicket win in Trinidad.
Marco Jansen was instrumental in removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the tournament's leading run-scorer in Afghanistan's dramatic run to their first semi-final. The score was soon 28-6, as South Africa's bowlers dominated the game.
Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi mopped up the tail with remarkable figures of 3-6, while Jansen finished with 3-16. Their exceptional performances raised questions about the state of the surface for such a showpiece event. The pitch offered excessive seam movement and bounce to the pace bowlers, at times dangerously so, with South Africa also facing challenges in their chase.
Quinton de Kock was bowled after being hit on the body, but with little pressure to score quickly, the Proteas managed to complete their chase in 8.5 overs. Hendricks scored 29 off 25 balls, and Markram added 23 off 21 balls to secure the win.
Breaking the Semi-Final Curse
South Africa has finally lifted the curse of always falling out at the semi-finals. They now progress to Saturday's final in Barbados unbeaten as they look to win a World Cup for the first time. They will play England or India, who meet in the second semi-final this afternoon at 16:30 CAT.
Key Performances
Marco Jansen: 3-16, including the crucial wicket of Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Tabraiz Shamsi: 3-6, mopping up the tail with exceptional spin bowling
Hendricks: 29 (25), leading the charge in South Africa's chase
Markram: 23 (21), supporting Hendricks in completing the victory
Looking Forward
South Africa will face either England or India in the final, set to take place in Barbados. The team remains focused and determined to bring home their first T20 World Cup trophy.
Stay tuned for more thrilling updates and highlights as the T20 World Cup 2024 reaches its climax.