Afghanistan Coach Blasts Trinidad Pitch After Team's Embarrassing T20 WC 2024 Semifinal Defeat To South Africa

Afghanistan coach Jonathan Trott criticized the Trinidad pitch after Afghanistan's humbling defeat to South Africa in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal.

South Africa secured a spot in the final of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding 9-wicket victory over Rashid Khan's Afghanistan in the first semi-final on June 27 (IST). In the aftermath of his team’s loss, Afghanistan's coach, Jonathan Trott voiced criticism of the pitch conditions stating it was unsuitable for a T20 World Cup semifinal. Afghanistan, after choosing to bat first, posted just 56 runs, the lowest-ever score in a T20 World Cup semifinal, against Aiden Markram-led South Africa.

South Africa's bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen played pivotal roles in their team's victory, contributing to Afghanistan's dismissal for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs. This came after Rashid Khan opted to bat first on a challenging pitch. In reply, South Africa opener Quinton de Kock fell early, but Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram ensured a wicketless chase to secure victory.

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Not A Semifinal Pitch: Jonathan Trott

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Trott expressed his dissatisfaction with the pitch used for the semi-final, stating it wasn't suitable for such a crucial match in the World Cup.

"I don't want to get myself into trouble. But I also don't want to sound a bit like 'sour grapes' but that's not the pitch that you want to have a semifinal of a World Cup on. Plain and simple,” he said.

Trott Calls For Fair Contest Between Bat & Ball

Trott emphasised the importance of a fair contest in cricket, particularly in T20 matches. He argued that pitches should allow batters to confidently play their shots without worrying excessively about unpredictable bounce or movement. 

“It should be a fair contest. I'm not saying it should be completely flat with no spin and seam movement, you shouldn't have batters worrying about moving forward and having the ball fly over their head. You should be confident in getting through the line or use their skills. And T20 is all about attacking and scoring runs and taking wickets. Not looking to survive,” Trott added.

South Africa are poised to play in their first-ever final of any ICC World Cup in cricket history. They will lock horns with the winner of the India vs England second semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2024 final, on June 29.