South Africa qualify for Maiden T20 World Cup final with 9-wicket win over Afghanistan
In a historic achievement, South Africa secured their first-ever T20 World Cup final berth with a dominant nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the semifinal at Tarouba, Trinidad. The Proteas showcased an impeccable performance, both with the ball and the bat, to comfortably chase down a modest target with 67 balls to spare.
Opting to bat first, Afghanistan’s innings quickly unraveled as South African pacers exploited the substantial seam movement available. The Afghan batsmen struggled to find their footing, losing half their side within the Powerplay overs, which set the tone for the rest of their innings.
The pace trio of Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje spearheaded the attack, sharing seven wickets among themselves. Jansen finished with figures of 3/16, Rabada claimed 2/14, and Nortje was particularly economical, taking 2/7. Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi also made a significant impact, picking up three wickets for just six runs.
Azmatullah Omarzai emerged as the top-scorer for Afghanistan, managing only 10 runs off 12 balls. His lone double-digit score highlighted the struggles faced by the Afghan batting lineup against a disciplined South African bowling attack. Eventually, Afghanistan were bundled out for a meager 56 in just 11.5 overs.
In response, South Africa’s chase was straightforward and clinical. Opener Reeza Hendricks led the way with a solid 29, while Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 23. The Proteas lost just one wicket during their chase, with Fazalhaq Farooqi picking up the solitary wicket for Afghanistan.
South Africa reached the target in just 8.5 overs, finishing at 60 for 1. Their emphatic victory not only secured their place in the final but also underscored their formidable form in the tournament. The win was a testament to their all-round capabilities, with both the bowling and batting departments firing in unison.
As they prepare for the final, South Africa will be buoyed by their performance and the prospect of claiming their maiden T20 World Cup title. Their journey to the final has been marked by consistent performances and a determined mindset, setting the stage for an exciting climax to the tournament.
