Kagiso Rabada‘s electrifying performance in the first semifinal of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 proved to be the turning point, as South Africa crushed Afghanistan‘s hopes of reaching the finals with a stunning display of bowling.

 Kagiso Rabada’s dominance

Rabada’s most memorable moment came in the 4th over of Afghanistan’s first innings. With the score at 20/3, a delivery of perfect length, nipping sharply off the seam and threading the narrow gap between bat and pad, leaving Nabi utterly beaten. The ball danced off the pitch, moving just enough to evade the bat’s defense and knock the stumps. Before dismissing Nabi, Rabada had already taken the wicket of Afghanistan’s opening batter, Ibrahim Zadran, who scored just 2 runs. Throughout the match, Rabada was exceptionally economical, conceding only 4.67 runs per over while claiming two crucial wickets.

Here is the Video:

Ibrahim Zadran �?br />Mohammad Nabi �?/p>

Kagi?so Rabada hits timber t??wice in his first over and is breathing fire 🔥

Afghanistan is in Pressure #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y6KQ8uAz7q

— Saud Nawaz (@saudnawax) June 27, 2024

Also READ: Fans in shock as South Africa packs Afghanistan fo??r the lowest-ever total in T20 Wor??ld Cup semi-final

Afghanistan’s dismal performance with the bat

Afghanistan’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pressure from South Africa’s bowlers, managing to score only 56 runs—the lowest total in any semifinal of the T20 World Cup. This dismal performance highlighted the effectiveness of South Africa’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Rabada after Nabi’s dismissal, Afghanistan managed to add only 36 more runs to their total. Including 13 extra runs, Afghanistan’s final score was a mere 56 runs. The highest scorer for Afghanistan was Azmatullah Omarzai, who contributed just 10 runs. No batter  from the Afghanistan team was able to make a significant impact ??with the bat. In?? reply the Proteas chased down the target and won the high stakes battle with nine wickets in hand

South Africa’s historic triumph

With this dominant victory, South Africa has reached the finals of the T20 World Cup for the first time. The team’s outstanding performance has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament. The second semifinal will see India and England battling it out for a place in the finals, where the winner will face South Africa. The grand finale is scheduled to take place at Kensington Oval Stadium, Bridgetown, Barbados?, promising an exciting climax to the global showpiece event .

Also READ: Dale Steyn, Graeme Smith and o?thers react as South Africa reach their first-ever World Cup final

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In a dominant display, South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by 9 wickets in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad.

Afghanistan folds for meagre 56

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan’s innings crumbled under superb South African bowling. The entire batting line-up was dismissed for a mere 56 runs in just 11.5 overs.

Marco Jansen was the wrecker-in-chief for South Africa, claiming a spectacular 3 wickets for only 16 runs in his 3 overs. Kagiso Rabada (2/14) and Anrich Nortje (2/7) chipped in with crucial wickets as well, while Tabraiz Shamsi picked up 3 wickets for just 6 runs in his s?hort spell.

South Africa cruise to victory

Chasing a paltry target of 57 runs, South Africa batters Reeza Hendricks (29 off 25) and Aiden Markram (23 off 21) stitched together a solid par?tnership of 55 for the second wicket,?? ensuring a comfortable chase.

Hendricks, in particular, played a crucial knock, smashing 3 fours and a six to take the game away from Afghanistan. South Africa reached the target in just 8.5 overs, losing only the wicket of Quinton de Kock (5) early on.

Also READ: F??ans in shock as South Africa packs Afghanistan for th??e lowest-ever total in T20 World Cup semi-final

Player of the Match

Marco Jansen’s brilliant bowling performance, which included dismissing the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck, was adjudged Player of the Match. With this emphatic victory, South Africa marches on to the finals of the T20 World Cup, while Afghanistan’s dream run in the tournament comes to an end.

Here are the reactions of fans and cricket experts on South Africa’s victory: 

We’re in the Finals

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 27, 2024

Couldn’t be happier for @AidzMarkram and the team, one more to go.

— Graeme Smith (@GraemeSmith49) June 27, 2024

It’s emotional down here.
We’re into a final

— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) June 27, 2024

Great to see @RobWalter17 and his merry @ProteasMenCSA men on the way to the fin??al. bowlers did it again! Semi final curse done and dusted 🫣

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) June 27, 2024

A new finalist. Well done to @ProteasMenCSA and all the best for the final 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

— Mpumelelo Mbangwa (@mmbangwa) June 27, 2024

//x.com/KassNaidoo/status/1806154927342833809

🥹🥹🥹🥹 //t.co/XKeCvtcWz3

— Marizanne Kapp (@kappie777) June 27, 2024

South Africa reach the finals of a T20 World Cup for the first time#cricket #SAvAFG #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/asmJBUEGJP

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) June 27, 2024

🟡🟢 FINALS BOUND | #SAvAFG

The dream continues, South Africa! ✨🇿🇦🚀

📖 For the first time in history, the Proteas are through to th??e ICC T20 World Cup Finals. See you in Barbados! 🏟�?a href="//twitter.com/hashtag/WozaNawe?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" data-wpel-link="exclude">#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt#OutOfThisWorld #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/2WWBXYTN1j

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 27, 2024

Not exactly the ending we hoped for in this #T20WorldCup, but hats off to #AfghanAtalan for an un??forgettable?? performance throughout the event. 🙌

Congratulations to @ProteasMenCSA for securing their first-ever final berth in World Cup cricket. 👍#GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/ZiLnLudHlX

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 27, 2024

South Africa reached World Cup Final for the first time. Aiden Markram Making History in his first World Cup as Captain❤️‍�?pic.twitter.com/ApOFrTp6PQ

— Abdullah Zafar (@Arain_417) June 27, 2024

Congratulations to @ProteasMenCSA for reaching the final of the #T20WorldCup2024 🙌 //t.co/HXPEskZG6k

— Seattle Orcas (@MLCSeattleOrcas) June 27, 2024

The only other time the South Africa's men's team reached a final of an ICC event was way back in 1998, when the side won the inaugural ICC Knock out tournament (now called the Champions Trophy) at Dhaka.#SAvAFG #T20WorldCup2024

— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) June 27, 2024

Also WATCH: England pacer O??llie Robinson concedes 43 runs in one over

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The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the iconic Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad as South Africa takes on Afghanistan in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

South Africa arrives at this stage undefeated, having dominated throughout the tournament. On the other hand, Afghanistan have defied expectations, pulling off stunning victories against cricketing giants like New Zealand and Australia to book their place in the coveted semi-finals. Both teams will be brimming with confidence and hungry for victory, making this ??a clash?? not to be missed.

SA vs AFG: Head to Head Record in T20Is

Matches played: 2 | South Africa won: 2 | Afghanistan won: 2

T20I Stats and Records at Brian Lara Stadium:

• Matches played: 11
• Matches won batting first: 4
• Matches won bowling first: 7
• Average 1st innings scores: 135
• Average 2nd innings scores: 122
• Highest total recorded: 263/3 (20 Ov) by England vs West Indies
• Lowest total recorded: 40/10 (18.4 Ov) by Uganda vs New Zealand
• Highest score chased: 156/7 (19.5 Ov) by South Africa Women vs West Indies Women
• Lowest score defended: 149/6 (20 Ov) by West Indies vs India

SA vs AFG: Brian Lara Stadium Pitch Report:

Brian Lara Stadium’s pitch offers a fascinating duel between bat and ball. While early overs favour batsmen who can time their shots, the surface transforms into a spinner’s paradise as the match progresses. The pitch slows down considerably, making stroke-making difficult. This shift in character is likely to be most pronounced during the second innings, potentially giving spinners significant control.

Captain electing to bat?? first might capitalize on this early a?dvantage by putting up a strong total before the pitch starts helping the bowlers.

Also READ: SA vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2024, Semi Final 1: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, ??Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | South Africa vs Afghanistan

SA vs AFG: Trinidad Weather Forecast:

Mostly sunny skies are expected for the T20 World Cup semi-final in Trinidad, with just a 5% chance of rain. The weather is shaping up to be a hot one, with temperatures hovering around a pleasant 26°C. However, with humidity reaching a high 93%, it’s going to be a sweaty match for both players and fans alike. Luckily, there will be very little wind, with speeds of only 2 kilometres per hour.

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024 Semifinal 1, SA vs AFG – Probable XI & Players to watch out for | South Africa vs Afghanistan 

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In the upcoming first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad & Tobago, South Africa, who have maintained an unbeaten record, will go head-to-head against Afghanistan.

South Africa and Afghanistan

South Africa secured their spot in the semi-finals after navigating through some nail-biting encounters, notably their crucial victory in the final over against West Indies. On the other hand, Afghanistan, under the astute leadership of their charismatic captain Rashid Khan, strategically navigated through Group 1 of the tournament. Their impressive wins against strong contenders like Australia and Bangladesh solidified their place in the final four.

South Africa’s probable playing XI for the Semifinal 1 game against Afghanistan:

1. Quinton de Kock (wk)
2. Reeza Hendricks
3. Aiden Markram (c)
4. Heinrich Klaasen
5. David Miller
6. Tristan Stubbs
7. Marco Jansen
8. Keshav Maharaj
9. Kagiso Rabada
10. Anrich Nortje
11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Key players to watch out for the South Africa:

Quinton de Kock (wk):

• Aggressive Opening Batting: Quinton de Kock is known for his explosive batting at the top of the order. His ability to score quickly and dominate the opposition bowlers in the powerplay overs provides South Africa with strong starts and sets a positive tone for the innings.
• Wicketkeeping Skills: As a wicketkeeper, de Kock’s quick reflexes and sharp glovework are crucial for South Africa. His ability to take key catches, effect quick stumpings, and provide vocal guidance behind the stumps adds significant value to the team’s fielding efforts.

Kagiso Rabada:

• Pace and Strike Bowling: Rabada is South Africa’s premier fast bowler, known for his raw pace and ability to take wickets with the new ball. His aggressive bowling style and skill in generating bounce and movement off the pitch make him a constant threat to opposition batters.
• Death Overs Specialist: Rabada’s ability to bowl accurately in the death overs is crucial for containing the opposition’s run-scoring. His yorkers, slower balls, and ability to handle high-pressure situations make him a key player in the final overs of an innings.

Heinrich Klaasen:

• Middle-order Stability and Power: Heinrich Klaasen is a vital player in South Africa’s middle order. His ability to stabilize the innings and accelerate the run rate when needed makes him a key asset. Klaasen’s power-hitting capability allows him to play aggressive shots and score quick runs, particularly in the middle and death overs.
• Versatility with the Bat: Klaasen’s versatility to adapt to different match situations, whether building an innings or finishing strong, adds depth to South Africa’s batting lineup. His experience and ability to perform under pressure make him an important player in limited-overs cricket.

Also READ: Afghanistan’s Najibullah Zadran mercilessly roast Pat Cummins for his ‘definitely Australia�?semifi?nal predi?ction | T20 World Cup 2024

Afghanistan’s probable playing XI for the Semifinal 1 game against South Africa:

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
2. Ibrahim Zadran,
3. Hazratullah Zazai
4. Gulbadin Naib
5. Najibullah Zadran
6. Azmatullah Omarzai
7. Mohammad Nabi
8. Rashid Khan (c)
9. Noor Ahmad
10. Naveen-ul-Haq
11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Key players to watch out for Afghanistan:

• Rashid Khan (C):
  • Spin Bowling Maestro: Rashid Khan is Afghanistan’s premier spin bowler and captain. His ability to bowl accurate leg-spin with variations in pace and flight makes him a constant threat to opposition batters. Rashid not only contains runs but also picks up crucial wickets in all phases of the game.
  • Leadership: As the captain, Rashid provides strategic guidance and boosts team morale. His experience in international cricket and tactical acumen play a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s performance.
• Mohammad Nabi:
  • All-round Consistency: Mohammad Nabi is known for his all-round abilities, contributing with both bat and ball. His off-spin bowling is effective in restricting opposition batters, particularly in the middle overs. Nabi’s experience and calm demeanor add stability to Afghanistan’s middle order batting.
  • Finisher: Nabi’s role as a finisher in the batting lineup is crucial. His ability to accelerate the run rate and score quick runs towards the end of innings often proves decisive in close matches.
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk):
  • Wicketkeeper-Batter: Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides solidity as a wicketkeeper-batter at the top of the order. His aggressive batting style and ability to score quick runs give Afghanistan momentum in the powerplay overs.
  • Fielding Skills: Gurbaz’s role behind the stumps ensures the team maintains high standards in fielding. His agility and quick reflexes contribute to crucial dismissals and prevent extra runs.

Also READ: T20 World?? Cup 2024 Semi??finals: Teams, Match Date, Timings & Reserve days

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South Africa and Afghanistan will take on each other in Match 42 of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday.

While the Proteas have already secured their spot in the semifinal, New Zealand‘s victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday has possibly shattered the Afghan’s dream of making it to the knock-out stage of the cricketing carnival.

ODI Stats and Records at Narendra Modi Stadium:

• Total matches: 31
• Matches won batting first: 17
• Matches won bowling first: 14
• Average first Innings scores: 237
• Average second Innings scores; 207
• Highest total recorded: 365/2 (50 Overs) by South Africa vs India
• Lowest total recorded: 85/10 (30.1 Overs) by Zimbabwe vs West Indies
• Highest score chased: 325/5 (47.4 Overs) by India vs West Indies
• Lowest score defended: 196/10 (48.3 Overs) by West Indies vs India

Narendra Modi Stadium Pitch Report:

The Narendra Modi Stadium, renowned for its enormous size and cricketing histor?y, is poised to stage a captivating contest between bat and ball. The pitches at this venue have relatively favoured batters, providing them a conducive surface for scoring runs. Nonetheless, the opening overs of the match could pose challenges for the batters due to the pitch’s propensity to assist the seam bowlers.

Ahmedabad Weather Forecast:

On Friday in Ahmedabad, the weather forecast for the South Africa vs Afghanistan match is expected to be clear and dry, with no precipitation?? chances. The humidity is anticipated to be around 37%, and there will be a gentle breeze with a wind speed of 6 kilometers per hour.

Also READ – Twitter reactions: New Zealand almost confirm semi-final spot with comfortable win over Sri Lanka �?ODI World Cup ??2023

SA vs AFG, Probable Playing XI:

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Tem?ba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi

Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rah?mat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Mohammad Nabi, Ikram Alikhil (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan, Muje?eb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq

Also READ – ‘He thinks he is Cristiano Ronaldo…�? Yuvraj Singh’s cheeky take on Virat ?Kohli’s football skills and? comparison with the Portugal star

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