SA vs AFG Highlights, T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: South Africa Defeat Afghanistan By 9 Wickets To Reach Tournament Final
SA vs AFG Highlights, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal 1: South Africa defeated Afghanistan by 9 wickets to reach the first ICC World Cup final in their cricketing history.
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Background
SA vs AFG Live Score, ICC Men's T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: Irrespective of what happens at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad when South Africa play Afghanistan in the first semifinal of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal 1, it is set to be a historical contest. To begin with, the fixture marks the maiden appearance for the Afghans in a semifinal of any world cup. On the other hand, it is also a shot at a step for the Proteas that they have never managed to take either- a place in the final of a World event.
At the outset, this tournament has been nothing short of a fairytale for Afghanistan. Not many backed them to reach the business end of the competition- that too at the expense of Australia. But that is exactly what they have managed to achieve. It hasn't been a fluke by any stretch of the imaginations- wins over New Zealand, the Kangaroos and Bangladesh- all in a space of 18 days has now put them in a knockout game of an ICC event.
A mouth-watering contest 🇿🇦 🇦🇫
— ICC (@ICC) June 26, 2024
Who will make their first ever men's #T20WorldCup final? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/23tXWhZfse
The Men From The Rainbow nation might have much more experience than their opponents in this marquee clash and are one of the only two teams to have remained unbeaten in the competition so far but when it comes to their record in the knockout stage- it depicts a dismal picture. In nine attempts, they have tasted only a solitary win which means it wouldn't come as a shocker if they were to 'choke' yet again in the semis this time around.
But will that turn out to be too much of an ask for Rashid Khan & Co. or will they make the most of what the conditions have on offer to give the Aiden Markram-led side a run for their money? We shall find out over the course of the next few hours. STAY TUNED To ABP Live!
SA vs AFG Live Score, T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: Thankyou!
Thankyou for joining us in this short-lasting but exhilirating semifinal between Afghanistan and South Africa. We will get to find who will face South Africa in the final in by the end of the day. Do join our live blog for that match as well. Till then, take care!
SA vs AFG Live Score, T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: What South Africa Captain Said
"Feels good. It's not only the captain that gets you here, it is a massive squad effort. Plenty of guys behind the scenes as well. Fortunate to have lost the toss, we would have batted too. We were brilliant with the ball, got it in the right areas and kept it really simple. The bowlers have been incredible for us. It was challenging with the bat, no batter is going to lie and tell you it was easy out there. We had a bit of luck and then got a bit of a partnership. We have had a few close games and a few people back home would have woken up early with more grey hairs. Glad today was a bit more comforting. (On the final) It is one more step for us, it is an opportunity we have never had, nothing to be scared of. This win means a lot, we have some world class players in the side but like I said, it takes a whole squad to be able to deliver such a performance."
SA vs AFG Live Score, T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: What Afghanistan Captain Said
"It was tough, tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn't allow us to do what we wanted. That's how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions. I think they bowled really well. I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb's injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners. We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us. What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations. Some work to be done, specially in the middle order to take the innings deep. As I said, it is always learning for our team and we have achieved good results so far but we will come back doing more hard work, specially in the batting department."
SA vs AFG Live Score, T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: Jansen Gets POTM
Marco Jansen gets awarded the Player of the Match (POTM) award and here's what he said in the post-match presentation:
"Awesome feeling. The guys played really well, we executed perfectly. We just wanted to stick to our plan, bowl good lengths and see how the wicket reacts. The wicket was getting a bit open, and it was about keeping it simple. (On Markram's captaincy) He is awesome to have as a captain. We'll enjoy tonight and be on our way again."
SA vs AFG Live Score, T20 World Cup Semifinal 1: As It Happened
South Africa break their semi-final curse and advance to an ICC final with a commanding display of dominance as they remain undefeated in this tournament with 8 victories. Rabada and Jansen's fiery pace decimated Afghanistan in the powerplay, leaving their innings in disarray. Shamsi and Nortje continued the onslaught post-powerplay, bowling Afghanistan out for a mere 56 runs.
In response, Afghanistan's new ball bowlers fought bravely, with Farooqi dismissing de Kock with a delivery that nipped back. However, the modest target proved insufficient, as Markram and Hendricks quickly found their rhythm. South Africa chased down the target in under 9 overs, marking a historic day for their cricketing legacy. Conversely, it was a day to forget for Afghanistan but they will take a lot of heart out the tournament that saw them defeat teams like New Zealand and Australia.
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