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Fans react as South Africa beat Afghanistan to reach maiden men’s T20 World Cup final
By SMCS - Jun 27, 2024 11:04 am
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Afghanistan’s superb campaign in the T20 World Cup 2024 has come to an end in a rather forgettable way as South Africa bowlers dismantled their batting order to reach their maiden ICC final on June 27, Thursday with a 9-wicket win as well. Afghanistan were bowled out for just 56 runs within 12 overs as Marco Jansen, Tabraiz Shamsi, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje claimed wickets as well.

South Africa
South Africa team

Meanwhile, the target was chased down quickly by the South African batters as they finally ended their dismal shows in ICC knockouts to make it to the final in Barbados on June 29, Saturday as well. The game was set in the beginning only as Rashid Khan opted to bat first in Trinidad after winning the toss. Jansen took the ball and removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the very first over.ย Jansen removed Gulbadin Naib and then Kagiso Rabada dismissed Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi in the next over to leave Afghanistan struggling in the middle.

However, Rashid Khan and Karim Janat added a 22-run stand to help Afghanistan reach 50 runs but then Shamsi dismissed Janat and Noor as South Africa continued their dominance. Nortje, who had a great season, had the last laugh as he removed the Afghan skipper’s off-stump for a walk before Shamsi sealed the deal as Afghanistan’s 56 is the lowest total by a side in a T20 World Cup semi-final.

However, South Africa’s chase didn’t start with flying colours as Fazalhaq Farooqi cleaned up Quinton de Kock early to give Afghanistan some hope as well. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram also got an early lifeline. However, he along with Reeza Hendricks ensured no damage done and chased down the target within 9 overs.

Here is how everyone reacted to the comfortable victory:

https://x.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1806129278582767648

https://x.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1806138521545273573

https://x.com/DaleSteyn62/status/1806136794150257056

https://x.com/AmanGup783/status/1806194653462659577