South Africa broke their semi-final jinx by dominating Afghanistan to secure their first men’s T20 World Cup final appearance. Despite failing to advance from their previous seven World Cup semi-finals across different formats, the Proteas bowled out Afghanistan for 56 in 11.5 overs on a challenging pitch, clinching a nine-wicket victory in Trinidad.
Marco Jansen set the tone by dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s leading run-scorer in their remarkable journey to the semi-finals, reducing the score to 28-6 early on. Spinner Tabraiz Shamsi wrapped up the innings with impressive figures of 3-6, while Jansen ended with 3-16. However, concerns were raised about the pitch conditions, which offered excessive seam movement and bounce, posing difficulties for the batsmen.
South Africa faced their own challenges while chasing, with Quinton de Kock getting bowled after being struck on the body. Nonetheless, with minimal pressure to score quickly, they completed the chase in 8.5 overs. Remaining unbeaten, the Proteas now advance to the final in Barbados, aiming to win their first World Cup title.
They will compete against either England or India, who are set to face each other in the second semi-final on Thursday in Guyana at 15:30 BST.
