South Africa secured their spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final, becoming the second team after England to do so, with a tense three-wicket win (DLS method) against West Indies in their final Super 8 match in Antigua on Monday (June 24).

Batting first, the hosts managed a total of 135/8. Roston Chase top-scored with 52 off 42 balls, while Kyle Mayers added 35 off 34 balls.

Tabraiz Shamsi was the standout bowler for South Africa, taking three wickets for 27 runs in his four overs.

In their chase, South Africa got off to a shaky start, losing Reeza Hendricks (0) and Quinton de Kock (12) early. Rain then interrupted the match, leading to a revised target of 123 in 17 overs.

Post-rain, contributions from Reeza Hendricks (29 off 27), Heinrich Klaasen (22 off 10), and Aiden Markram (18 off 15) were valuable but insufficient to secure the chase. David Miller (4) and Keshav Maharaj (2) fell cheaply, leaving South Africa at a precarious 110/7.

Roston Chase (3/12 in 3 overs), Alzarri Joseph (2/25 in 4 overs), and Andre Russell (2/29 in 4 overs) bowled effectively, putting South Africa under pressure.

However, Marco Jansen stepped up in the crucial moments, scoring an unbeaten 21 off 14 balls to lead South Africa to victory with five balls remaining.

The cricket community had much to say about South Africa’s narrow victory and their advance to the semi-finals.