South Africa has delivered a crushing blow to Afghanistan, bowling them out for just 56 runs in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium, Tarouba in Trinidad, saw one of the most dramatic collapses in T20 World Cup history. Few could have predicted that the Afghan side, led by skipper Rashid Khan, would falter so significantly after choosing to bat first. This decision backfired spectacularly as South Africa’s pacers unleashed havoc, ensuring that Afghanistan recorded the lowest-ever total in a T20 World Cup semi-final. The previous record for the lowest semi-final total was held by Sri Lanka, who were restricted to 128/6 by England back in 2010.
The devastation began with Marco Jansen striking in the very first over, sending Rahmanullah Gurbaz back to the pavilion. From that moment, Afghanistan struggled to regain their footing. Jansen, delivering with pinpoint accuracy, dismissed two more batsmen, while Kagiso Rabada contributed to the onslaught by claiming two wickets in his first over. Within just five overs, Afghanistan was left reeling at a precarious 23/5.
The relentless attack continued as Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi took over, claiming five wickets between them. The Afghan batters came and went in quick succession, often falling to ill-judged shots against a South African bowling unit that showed no mercy. The disciplined and aggressive bowling display ensured South Africa’s place in their first-ever World Cup final, be it ODI or T20I.
For Afghanistan, it was a day to forget. Azmatullah Omarzai was the only batter to achieve double figures, though he managed just 10 runs. The rest of the lineup crumbled, failing to show any resistance or execute their strategies effectively. To compound their misery, Afghanistan could not manage a single six, underscoring their inability to handle the South African assault. This dismal performance marked Afghanistan’s lowest total in T20 International (T20I) cricket and set a new record for the lowest total against South Africa in the format.
The mood in the stadium was electric, filled with South African supporters who witnessed their team’s historic feat.
. Marco Jansen’s opening salvo set the tone, his precise line and length proving too much for the Afghan top order. Noteworthy was his ability to mix up his deliveries, keeping the batsmen guessing and on the back foot. His breakthrough got the ball rolling for South Africa, creating the pressure that would result in further wickets falling in quick succession. Kagiso Rabada complemented Jansen’s efforts superbly, using his experience and pace to unsettle the Afghan batters.
As the innings progressed, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi took charge. Nortje, with his express pace, and Shamsi, with his cunning spin, dismantled any semblance of an Afghan fightback. Each over seemed to tighten the noose further, with Nortje’s bouncers and Shamsi’s googlies proving particularly effective. The meticulous field placements and aggressive captaincy only added to Afghanistan’s woes, as the team failed to adapt to the relentless pressure from the South African bowlers.
The Afghan spectators and supporters, known for their passionate backing, were left stunned. The team’s decision to bat first, hoping to set a challenging target, had fallen apart within the first few overs. Rashid Khan, the captain, faced a challenging task of keeping his team’s spirit high as wickets tumbled. His decision to opt for an aggressive batting strategy in the semi-final could be scrutinized, but it was ultimately the execution that let them down.
For South Africa, this was not just a victory but a statement. Their first-ever entry into a World Cup final symbolizes the culmination of meticulous planning, intense training, and unwavering determination. The bowling unit’s performance led the charge, ensuring that they are now just one step away from lifting the coveted trophy.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the upcoming final, the stage is set for South Africa to possibly make more history. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will need to reflect and rebuild, learning from this experience to come back stronger in future tournaments. The semi-final clash, a blend of South African brilliance and Afghan despair, will be remembered as a defining moment in T20 World Cup lore.
