South Africa Reaches World Cup Final for the First Time; Afghanistan’s Fairy Tale Ends

For the first time, South Africa has advanced to the ICC T20 World Cup final. This is not only their first final in a T20 World Cup but their first appearance in any World Cup final. Aiden Markram’s team sent a strong message by convincingly defeating Afghanistan in the semifinals.

Afghanistan chose to bat first after winning the toss at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. Dominated by the Protea bowlers, Afghanistan was bowled out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs. In reply, South Africa chased down the target in 8.5 overs, losing only one wicket.

With a commanding 9-wicket victory, South Africa now awaits either England or India in the final.

After defeating New Zealand in the group stage and securing a semi-final spot by beating Australia in the Super Eight, Afghanistan crumbled under the pressure of the semi-final. Their decision to bat first backfired completely as their batting lineup collapsed against the South African pacers.

The downfall began with Rahmanullah Gurbaz's dismissal on the last ball of the first over. He was caught by Reeza Hendricks for a duck off Marco Jansen. The other opener, Ibrahim Zadran, was bowled by Kagiso Rabada for 2 runs off 5 balls. Gulbadin Naib, who came in at number three, was bowled by Jansen after scoring 9 runs off 8 balls.

Azmatullah Omarzai, who batted at number four, was the only Afghan player to reach double figures. He scored 10 runs off 12 balls before becoming Anrich Nortje's first victim.

The experienced Mohammad Nabi was dismissed for a duck by Kagiso Rabada. Captain Rashid Khan scored 8 runs off 8 balls before being bowled by Anrich Nortje.

While the South African pacers set the stage, spinner Tabraiz Shamsi finished the job. Marco Jansen took 3 wickets for 16 runs, Kagiso Rabada 2 for 14, Anrich Nortje 2 for 7, and Tabraiz Shamsi 3 for 6. Afghanistan was bowled out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs.

In response, South Africa lost Quinton de Kock's wicket in the second over. He was bowled by Fazalhaq Farooqi for 5 runs off 8 balls. However, this setback was minor as Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram comfortably led South Africa to victory with an unbeaten partnership of 55 runs.

South Africa scored 60 runs in 8.5 overs to secure their place in the final. Reeza Hendricks remained not out on 29 runs off 25 balls, while Aiden Markram was unbeaten on 23 runs off 21 balls.