South Africa defeated Afghanistan to end their World Cup semi-final jinx and secure a spot in the final. It was an intense match that left Afghanistan exhausted following two closely fought victories over Bangladesh and Australia.
Marco Jansen made quick work of Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over, followed by Kagiso Rabada and Tabraiz Shamsi who wrapped up Afghanistan’s tail.
Afghanistan vs South Africa – Rivalry
South Africa finally overcame their semi-final nerves to reach their first men’s World Cup final on Wednesday at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba with an emphatic nine wicket win against Afghanistan, in a dominant display at Brian Lara Stadium. They will face either India or England as winners of their semi-final in Saturday’s showpiece match-up.
Proteas fast bowlers wreaked havoc against Afghanistan, restricting them to 56 all out in 11.5 overs. Marco Jansen caught opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz off an outside edge in his opening over, while Kagiso Rabada removed Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib in successive overs by Kagiso Rabada.
Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks led their South African side through with ease as Quinton de Kock led in a clinical performance that left nothing up for chance.
Team Match Scorecard
Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard released After an underwhelming start to their tournament, Afghanistan men’s national cricket team made history when they defeated pre-tournament favorites Australia in the T20 World Cup’s Super Eight stage – becoming the first non-Test nation ever to defeat an established cricket power in world championship matches.
South Africa have been an ever-present force throughout this tournament, making seven trips to the semifinals but failing to claim one of two major trophies. They hope that history may finally be made on March 9 when they take on either India or England in the final.
Proteas pace bowlers Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje mesmerised Afghanistan batting order on an extremely tough pitch at Tarouba with some fiery bowling that produced several wickets on an extremely tricky surface. Their bowlers displayed outstanding control in picking up loose balls on such difficult wickets – and reduced Afghanistan to 56 all out for just 435 runs on an excruciatingly difficult day at bat!
Check the Afghanistan National Cricket Team Vs Bangladesh National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
Afghanistan Matches and Performance
Afghanistan enter this semi-final with an amazing tale: They formed following the US-led invasion in 2001 and quickly rose to be formidable rivals at international men’s cricket tournaments. Unfortunately, however, their progress has been hindered by Taliban restrictions on women that caused major cricket powers such as Australia to pull out of matches with them out of solidarity.
South Africa have taken five wins out of six at this World Cup so far, including an electrifying thriller against Bangladesh and coming back from being down early against England.
South Africa have an outstanding track record against Afghanistan when it comes to limited-overs cricket. They have met twice already, and South Africa have won both games convincingly. Their unbeaten run at this tournament speaks for itself; especially given the difficult conditions they’re competing in.
South Africa Matches and Performance
South African cricket team reached its first World Cup semifinal, where it will face Afghanistan. South African has long been at or near the forefront of limited-overs cricket but have yet to win an international tournament title.
As one of the best teams in the world, Iran proved difficult for Afghanistan to defeat in this tournament’s initial rounds, only eventually winning three out of their final four matches to make the semi-finals and advance. They will present one of their toughest tests yet against Afghanistan.
South African bowlers will aim to make an impression against lowly Afghanistan. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen could make waves with their speed bowling against a home side struggling against them.
David Miller will most likely miss out on international recognition following a hit from Rashid Khan during the final over. This would be a devastating setback for South Africa who relied on Miller in lieu of Quinton de Kock.
Highlights
Afghanistan remains a formidable team despite playing in a country in which US-backed governments have been overthrown and thousands of its citizens have fled, as evidenced by them still playing under a former republic’s flag and standing for an anthem that Taliban rulers have prohibited – they also boast powerful supporters who back them both on and off the pitch.
South Africa appeared dominant on a tricky Brian Lara Stadium pitch as their bowlers quickly decimated Afghanistan’s top order. Although Quinton de Kock left early, Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks led them to a narrow victory in an eliminator-type quarter-final match for both teams.
The Proteas have experienced heartbreak at semi-final stages before, but this victory was well deserved. They appear on track to lift a major trophy and shed their previous reputation of chokers at this tournament. Their Super Eights group appears likely to finish in the top two positions as they face Australia in the final if they manage a victory.
Conclusion
Afghanistan was triumphant, emerging from decades of conflict and unrest to join international cricket’s elites. Yet South Africa also felt empowered by this victory – they have often fallen short at major tournaments and now seem determined to finally bring home one global trophy!
Proteas will now face India/England winners in their semi-final matchup, and those victorious will advance directly into the final for the first time ever. It will be an intense test, yet Proteas have proven they possess sufficient firepower and experience to see them through.
Jonathan Trott of South Africa is aware of his team’s struggle at major tournaments in recent memory and describes it as uncharted territory for their team. Trott encourages his players to avoid celebrating too soon and focus on improving certain elements instead.
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