The highly anticipated 1st semi-final of the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 will see South Africa take on Afghanistan. This electrifying match is set for June 27th at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago, with live coverage beginning at 6:00 AM IST. Both teams come into this clash riding high on the momentum of impressive victories in their final group-stage matches. South Africa secured a hard-fought win against the West Indies by 3 wickets.
The match saw Tristan Stubbs play a pivotal role with a crucial 29-run knock, while Tabraiz Shamsi excelled with the ball, taking 3 key wickets. This victory cemented South Africa’s status as a dominant force in the tournament, finishing atop Group 2 of the Super 8 stage with an unblemished record and 6 points. Afghanistan, on the other hand, pulled off a thrilling 8-run victory over Bangladesh.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz laid a solid foundation with a 43-run contribution, while the Afghan bowling attack proved to be formidable. Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq were particularly impressive, each claiming 4 wickets to dismantle the Bangladesh batting lineup. This victory secured Afghanistan the second spot in Group 1, with 4 points, and a well-deserved place in the semi-finals.
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The stage is now set for a high-stakes encounter as both teams vie for a place in the final. The match promises to be a gripping contest, with South Africa’s consistent performance and Afghanistan’s spirited play. The weather is expected to be cool and clear, conditions under which Afghanistan recently bowled out Papua New Guinea for scores of 95 and 78, while West Indies’ 149/9 proved sufficient to defeat New Zealand by 13 runs at this venue.
In T20 World Cups, South Africa holds a 2-0 head-to-head record against Afghanistan. As the Proteas and the Afghan team prepare to clash, cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting what promises to be a memorable match. Both teams have shown resilience and skill throughout the tournament, and now they are just one step away from the coveted final.
Afghanistan
This isn’t just a cricket team; it’s a movement, and its moment has arrived. In Rashid Khan, Afghanistan has a player who is closer to a one-man XI than just an all-rounder and captain. The team places immense trust in him, and he has consistently delivered.
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangeyalia Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa
South Africa has had a shaky yet unbeaten run so far. They have come close to defeat in nearly every game but have managed to clinch victory each time. While it’s a seamer’s pitch, Tabraiz Shamsi could be the key to baffling the batters. Despite the challenges, South Africa’s resilience has seen them through, and they remain a formidable opponent.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Fantasy XI Suggestion 1:
Quinton de Kock (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tristan Stubbs, Ibrahim Zadran, Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Gulbadin Naib, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan (c)
Fantasy XI Suggestion 2:
Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Aiden Markram, Azmatullah Omarzai, Marco Jansen, Gulbadin Naib, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Anrich Nortje (vc)
