South Africa advanced to their first-ever T20 World Cup final with a dominant victory over Afghanistan in the tournament’s semi-final held in Trinidad on June 27, 2024.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan opted to bat first. However, the South African bowlers capitalized on the pitch conditions, which offered both lateral movement and bounce, making it difficult for the Afghan batters to settle.

Azmatullah Omarzai was the only Afghan player to reach double figures, scoring 10 runs, as the team was bowled out for 56 in just 11.5 overs. Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi took three wickets each, while Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje claimed two wickets apiece.

Although Fazalhaq Farooqi managed to dismiss Quinton de Kock for 5 runs, Reeza Hendricks (29*) and captain Aiden Markram (23*) ensured no further losses as South Africa secured the win by 9 wickets with 67 balls to spare.

Marco Jansen was awarded Player of the Match. South Africa will now face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England, set to be played in Guyana.

The cricket community lauded South Africa’s clinical performance and celebrated their historic progression to the final.