BRIAN LARA STADIUM: In the semi-final clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Thursday, South Africa dominated Afghanistan, cruising to a resounding 9-wicket victory and securing their maiden final appearance in style.
Cricket fans at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, anticipated a tense, nail-biting match reminiscent of Afghanistan’s surprise upset over Australia. However, the match quickly took a different turn.
Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to set a strong total against their formidable opponents. However, they struggled from the start and were bowled out for a mere 56 runs in just 11.5 overs.
In their match against Australia, it was Afghanistan’s bowlers who had clinched the victory despite a poor performance from their batters. In this semi-final, the pressure was once again on the bowlers, but defending a paltry 57-run target proved an insurmountable challenge.
The match began with high stakes for Afghanistan, but early setbacks derailed their plans. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz departed without scoring in the very first over. Gulbadin Naib fell for 9 runs off 8 balls in the second over, leaving Afghanistan in a precarious position.
Read More: T20 World Cup: Afghanistan sets target of 57 for South Africa
Ibrahim Zadran’s brief stint ended with just 2 runs off 5 balls in the third over, courtesy of a sharp delivery from Kagiso Rabada. The pressure intensified as Mohammad Nabi, a key middle-order batsman, also failed to score, adding to Afghanistan’s woes.
Led by captain Rashid Khan, the Afghan squad included seasoned players like Azmatullah Omarzai, Karim Janat, and Naveen-ul-Haq, who were crucial in their earlier matches. However, against South Africa’s potent bowling attack, they struggled to post a competitive total.
Meanwhile, South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, showcased a strong lineup featuring Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada. Known for their ability to perform under pressure in major tournaments, they efficiently chased down the target with ease.
This dominant performance not only secured South Africa’s place in the final but also highlighted their formidable form as they aim for their first T20 World Cup title.
