South Africa beat Afghanistan to reach first-ever T20 World Cup final

South Africa bowled out Afghanistan for just 56 runs, with eight wickets falling within the first ten overs

PHOTO: AFP

South Africa has advanced to their first-ever ICC Men's T20 World Cup final by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets in Trinidad.

In the first semi-final, South Africa bowled out Afghanistan for just 56 runs, with eight wickets falling within the first ten overs.

Marco Jansen was named Player of the Match for his impressive figures of 3/16 from three overs. Kagiso Rabada (2/14 from three overs) and Anrich Nortje (2/7 from three overs) also contributed significantly before Tabraiz Shamsi wrapped up the innings with 3/16 in just 11 balls. This match marked the first time a team has bowled out their opponent for under 100 in a Men's T20 World Cup semi-final.

Chasing a modest target of 57 runs, South Africa's top-order showed composure, forcing Afghanistan to use Rashid Khan early in the Powerplay. After six overs, South Africa stood at 34/1. Despite losing Quinton de Kock for 5 runs, Reeza Hendricks (29*) and Aiden Markram (23) guided their team to victory within nine overs.

Markram, in his post-match comments, praised the entire squad and the supporters back home. He expressed joy in reaching the final and emphasized the collective effort needed to perform well.

The match began with Jansen dismissing Rahmanullah Gurbaz with the last ball of the first over. Jansen continued his form by taking Gulbadin Naib's wicket, while Rabada dismantled the stumps of both Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi in a double-wicket maiden. Jansen later got Nangeyalia Kharote out, and Nortje claimed Azmatullah Omarzai's wicket. Shamsi completed the job by taking the wickets of Karim Janat, Noor Ahmad, and Naveen-ul-Haq.

De Kock was dismissed early by Fazalhaq Farooqi, who found some early movement. However, Hendricks and Markram successfully handled Afghanistan's bowling attack, which tried five different bowlers within 8.5 overs.

South Africa will face the winner of the India vs. England semi-final, set to be played on Thursday morning. The final will take place in Barbados on June 29.