South Africa will play in their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final after defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets in a dominant performance in Trinidad. A belligerent bowling performance coupled with composure from the top order secured their place in the final.
Match Summary
- Afghanistan: 56 all out in 17.4 overs
- South Africa: 60/1 in 8.5 overs
- South Africa won by 9 wickets (with 67 balls remaining)
Key Highlights
- Historic Bowling Performance: South Africa became the first team to bowl out their opposition for under 100 in a Men’s T20 World Cup semi-final.
- Player of the Match: Marco Jansen took 3/16 from three overs, spearheading the bowling attack.
- Supporting Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada (2/14), Anrich Nortje (2/7), and Tabraiz Shamsi (3/16) delivered crucial spells to dismantle Afghanistan.
- Composed Chase: Reeza Hendricks (29*) and Aiden Markram (23) guided South Africa to a comfortable chase, despite the early loss of Quinton de Kock (5).
South Africa Reach Historic First Men’s T20 World Cup Final
Meanwhile South Africa have secured their place in their first-ever Men’s T20 World Cup final with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan. Therefore This historic achievement came through a stellar bowling performance that saw Afghanistan dismissed for just 56 runs, followed by a composed chase led by Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram.
Match Details
- Date: June 26, 2024
- Venue: Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago
- Result: South Africa won by 9 wickets
Match Narrative
Therefore South Africa started strongly, with Marco Jansen dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over. Kagiso Rabada followed with a double-wicket maiden, removing Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi. Afghanistan’s innings crumbled, with Jansen and Anrich Nortje taking additional wickets. Tabraiz Shamsi cleaned up the tail, taking three wickets in just 11 balls.
Moreover Chasing a modest target of 57, South Africa faced early pressure as Quinton de Kock fell to Fazalhaq Farooqi. However, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram calmly steered South Africa to victory, ensuring no further hiccups.
Key Points
- South Africa’s Dominant Bowling: Therefore Exceptional spells from Jansen, Rabada, Nortje, and Shamsi decimated Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
- Early Breakthroughs: Moreover South Africa claimed eight wickets within the first 10 overs, setting the tone for their victory.
- Efficient Chase: Despite losing de Kock early, Hendricks and Markram efficiently chased down the target in just 8.5 overs.
- Awaiting Final Opponent: Meanwhile South Africa will face the winner of the India vs. England semi-final in the final on June 29 in Barbados.
Match Details and Performance
| Team | Innings | Runs Scored | Overs Faced | Wickets Lost | Key Performers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 1st Innings | 56 | 17.4 | All out | Gulbadin Naib (9 runs) |
| South Africa | 2nd Innings | 60 | 8.5 | 1 | Reeza Hendricks (29*) |
Player Of the Match
Marco Jansen’s exceptional performance with the ball earned him the Player of the Match award in South Africa’s semi-final victory over Afghanistan. Jansen took 3 wickets for just 16 runs, setting the tone for South Africa’s dominant win.
| Player | Team | Overs Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken | Economy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | South Africa | 3 | 16 | 3 | 5.33 |
Jansen’s early breakthroughs and consistent pressure helped South Africa bowl out Afghanistan for a mere 56 runs, paving the way for a comfortable chase and a place in the T20 World Cup final.
Bowling Performances
| Bowler | Team | Overs Bowled | Runs Conceded | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marco Jansen | South Africa | 3 | 16 | 3 |
| Kagiso Rabada | South Africa | 3 | 14 | 2 |
| Anrich Nortje | South Africa | 3 | 7 | 2 |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | South Africa | 1.5 | 16 | 3 |
| Fazalhaq Farooqi | Afghanistan | 3 | 11 | 1 |
South Africa’s emphatic victory and their advance to the final mark a significant milestone in their cricketing history. With momentum on their side, the Proteas are poised for a thrilling final as they await their opponent from the India vs. England semi-final.