Afghanistan's dream T20 World Cup 2024 campaign ends on a sad note, lose to South Africa in SF

Afghanistan's dream run in the T20 World Cup 2024 has reached a halt in the semi-final stage. In a much-anticipated semi-final contest against South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Afghanistan could not get hold of the nerves and bundled out at the petite figure of 56. In reply, SA chased the score down in 9 overs, with 9 wickets in hand, and advanced to the final of the T20 World Cup 2024.

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South Africa beat Afghanistan by 9 wickets, advance to the final of T20 World Cup 2024

A clinical South Africa qualified for their maiden T20 World Cup final with a resounding nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semifinal here. The Proteas put themselves in pole position to reach the final after they bowled out Afghanistan for a paltry 56. They then raced to the target with 67 balls to spare. Earlier opting to bat, things went awry for the Afghans as South Africa pacers made optimum use of the substantial seam movement on offer. Afghanistan were in complete disarray as they lost half their side inside the Powerplay. The pace trio of Marco Jansen (3/16), Kagiso Rabada (2/14) and Anrich Nortje (2/7) shared seven wickets among themselves while spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3/6) claimed three wickets.

Azmatullah Omarzai with his 10 off 12 was the top-scorer for Afghanistan.

South Africa exorcised their agonising semifinal jinx through an exceptional spell of pace bowling as they walloped an emotionally drained Afghanistan by nine wickets to enter their first-ever T20 World Cup final here.
They will face the winners of the second semifinal between India and England in the title clash, but the Afghans will go home with their heads held high after a stirring run in the tournament.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 56 all out in 11.5 overs (Azmatullah Omarzai 10; Tabraiz Shamsi 3/6, Marco Jansen 3/16) South Africa 60 for 1 in 8.5 overs overs (Reeza Hendricks 29, Aiden Markram 23 not out; Fazalhaq Farooqi 1/11) 

(With inputs from PTI)