South Africa enter first World Cup final after shattering Afghan dreams

Afghanistan crashed out of the 2024 T20 World Cup after losing to South Africa by nine wickets on June 26, bringing an end to a glorious run that saw them enter the semi-finals of a World Cup cricket event for the first time in history.

The defeat came just a couple of days after they beat Bangladesh to enter the last four stage.

The win also secured for South Africa a maiden entry into the final of a World Cup cricket tournament and stretched their winning run in the tournament to eight consecutive matches which is the best by any nation in a single edition. Australia have also won eight matches on the trot in T20 World Cup but those have been stretched over two editions (2022 and 2024).

Afghanistan elected to bat but soon found themselves facing fire. Marco Jansen (3/16 in 3), Kagiso Rabada (2/14 in 3) and Anrich Nortje (2/17 in 3) reduced the Afghans to 28/6 before they trudged to 56 all out in 11.5 overs.

Left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi took 3/6.

The Proteas then chased the target in just 8.5 overs to win the game and seal a place in the final on June 29, where they will face either India or England.

Jansen was given the Player of the Match award.

“Not exactly the ending we hoped for in this #T20WorldCup, but hats off to #AfghanAtalan for an unforgettable performance throughout the event. Congratulations to @ProteasMenCSA for securing their first-ever final berth in World Cup cricket,” tweeted Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) after the end of the match.

“We sincerely thank the entire Afghan Nation and all the fans across the world for their unparalleled support, encouragement, and immense love! You have made #AfghanAtalan’s #T20WorldCup journey truly special” the ACB said in another tweet.

Cricket South Africa, on the other hand, were thrilled.

“The dream continues, South Africa. For the first time in history, the Proteas are through to the ICC T20 World Cup Final. See you in Barbados!” it tweeted.

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram paid tribute to his bowlers.

“Fortunate to have lost the toss, we would have batted too. We were brilliant with the ball, got it in the right areas and kept it really simple. The bowlers have been incredible for us,” said Markram after the game as quoted by Cricbuzz.

Afghan skipper Rashid said that their team wasn’t ready to handle the conditions.

“It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn't allow us to do what we wanted. That's how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions,” added Rashid.

South Africa, Afghanistan, T20 World Cup