South Africa have finally broken their semi-final jinx, advancing to an ICC final with a brutal display of dominance and fiery fast bowling. In a match that saw Afghanistan overawed by the occasion and fatigued by emotionally draining wins over Australia and Bangladesh, South Africa’s bowlers made short work of their opponents.

This marks the first time in eight World Cup semi-finals across the one-day and T20 formats that South Africa have managed a victory. Now, they are just one potential victory away from a maiden World Cup title.

Toss and initial moments

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first, hoping to put runs on the board and apply pressure on South Africa. However, everything went South Africa’s way from the very beginning.

See Also: T20 World Cup 2024, 1st Semi-Final, South Africa vs Afghanistan: “No time to practice” Michael Vaughan’s sensational revelation about Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s top order collapse

The opening pair that had carried Afghanistan so well during the tournament crumbled under the pressure. Rahmanullah Gurbaz faced only three balls before edging to slip off Jansen’s bowling in the first over.

Ibrahim Zadran, another key player, was bowled by a Rabada inswinger on the first ball of the third over. The early losses left Afghanistan’s middle and lower order exposed to a rampaging South African attack.

Kagiso Rabada followed with a double-wicket maiden, further destabilizing Afghanistan’s innings and reducing them to 20-4 after just 3.4 overs.

Middle and lower order struggles

Afghanistan’s middle and lower order struggled to cope with the relentless South African bowling. Wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi took three wickets in just 11 deliveries, all lbw decisions to balls keeping low, to finish off Afghanistan for a paltry 56 in 11.5 overs. Azmattullah Omarzai was the only Afghan batter to reach double figures, top-scoring with 10.

Record low total

Being bowled out for 56 was a significant blow to Afghanistan, highlighting their struggle against high-quality pace and spin. The South African bowlers executed their plans perfectly, exploiting the conditions and maintaining relentless pressure.

South Africa’s chase

Despite losing Quinton de Kock early in the chase, South Africa remained unperturbed. Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks formed a steady partnership, navigating the small target with calm and precision. Their composed approach on an exceedingly tricky Tarouba pitch was commendable.

Clinical and dominant victory

For a team infamous for playing jittery cricket in knockouts, this win was both clinical and dominant. South Africa left nothing to chance, bowling beautifully, fielding sharply, and batting sensibly. The margin of victory, by nine wickets with 67 balls remaining, underscores the control they exerted over the match from start to finish.

Reactions from the cricketing world

Twitter erupted with reactions to South Africa’s performance. Fans and experts alike lauded their dominance and clinical execution. Former players and cricket analysts praised the team’s all-round performance and resilience. The victory sparked celebrations among South African fans, who have waited long for such a moment.

While the emotions have centred around Afghanistan in this game, South Africa have shown why they have been the team to watch under a fine captain in Markram. First time in the final and much credit to them.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2024

Teams to qualify for the T20 World Cup final but not for the (ODI) World Cup final:

South Africa Women
South Africa Men

End of list.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) June 27, 2024

Afghanistan are all out on 56 against South Africa.

What a domination from Proteas with the ball just incredible.#SAvsAFG #T20WoldCup pic.twitter.com/zuF93Hsby4

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) June 27, 2024

Won the U-19 World Cup 2014.
Won the SA20 in 2023 and 2024.
Qualified for the Finals in T20 World Cup.

Aiden Markram – The lucky charm of South Africa. pic.twitter.com/4v3x1qFWaV

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 27, 2024

South Africa have played 18 World Cups in both formats, and Marco Jansen is the FIRST EVER South African to win Player of the Match award in winning cause in the semifinal 🇿🇦🔥#tapmad #HojaoADFree #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Qqo3XiJXop

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 27, 2024

First ever final for South Africa in 18 men’s World Cups across T20 and ODI formats.

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 27, 2024

Australia watching Afghanistan's performance in Semi Final 💀 pic.twitter.com/pXFEXry3kr

— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 27, 2024

Indians waking up early to watch South Africa vs Afghanistan semi final pic.twitter.com/YmJY7OMwsI

— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) June 27, 2024

Years of waiting are finally over! Aiden Markram’s team becomes the first senior South African men’s side to reach an ICC Cricket World Cup final 🔥 Set up beautifully by the bowlers and guided home by sensible batting as they beat Afghanistan in the first semi 🙌 #T20WorldCup

— Kass Naidoo (@KassNaidoo) June 27, 2024

2014 – Aiden Markram becomes the first captain to win U19 World Cup for South Africa.

2024 – Aiden Markram becomes the first captain to take South Africa men to a senior World Cup Final. pic.twitter.com/rV8KHLMpzX

— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) June 27, 2024

SA be like: Ab hum woh chokers wokers na rahe, ab humko chahiye full izzat! pic.twitter.com/0UUJfem5GS

— Sanchit Mukherjee (@SanchitMukherj2) June 27, 2024