In a stunning display of bowling prowess, South Africa dismantled Afghanistan for just 56 runs in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, saw South Africa’s bowlers run riot, securing their spot in the final with a dominant performance.

Toss and brave decision

Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan won the toss and made the brave decision to bat first. With the pitch offering some early movement, the choice to bat was a strategic gamble, aiming to put runs on the board and pressure South Africa in the second innings.

See Also: ICC sanctions Rashid Khan for throwing bat at Afghanistan teammate during T20 World Cup

South Africa’s dominant bowling attack

South Africa’s pacers, Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, made immediate inroads, dismantling Afghanistan’s top order with precision. Jansen struck three times in the powerplay, setting the stage for a dominant performance. Tabraiz Shamsi then took over, cleaning up the tail and ensuring Afghanistan never recovered.

The powerplay was a nightmare for Afghanistan. Jansen’s early strikes included the vital wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Gulbadin Naib. Rabada’s double-wicket maiden added to Afghanistan’s woes, leaving them reeling at 28/5 after six overs.

Marco Jansen’s & Tabraiz Shamsi’s spell

Jansen’s performance was a masterclass in fast bowling. His early breakthroughs disrupted Afghanistan’s batting lineup, removing key players and building immense pressure. Jansen’s ability to swing the ball and hit the right lengths made him nearly unplayable.

Shamsi was equally effective, taking three crucial wickets and ensuring no Afghan batsman settled in. His spell in the middle overs was pivotal, as he systematically dismantled the lower order with his variations and accuracy.

Supporting Bowlers: Rabada and Nortje

Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje provided strong support. Rabada’s fiery pace and accuracy yielded two wickets, while Nortje’s consistency and pressure bowling kept the scoring in check, further tightening the noose around Afghanistan’s batting.

Historical Context

Afghanistan’s total of 56 is now the lowest in T20 World Cup semi-final history, surpassing Sri Lanka’s 128/6 against England in 2010. This match highlighted the stark contrast between Afghanistan’s high points in the tournament and their struggle in this crucial game.

56 all-out is the lowest total by a team in a T20 World Cup semi-final match.

Lowest totals by a full-member team in T20 WCs
55 – ENG vs WI, Dubai, 2021
56 – AFG vs SA, Tarouba, 2024*
60 – NZ vs SL, Chattogram, 2014
70 – BAN vs NZ, Kolkata, 2016

Lowest total for Afghanistan in T20Is
56 vs SA, Tarouba, 2024*
72 vs BAN, Mirpur, 2014
80 vs SA, Bridgetown, 2010
80 vs ENG, Colombo, 2012
– all the above four have come in a WC match.

Lowest totals vs South Africa in T20Is
56 – AFG, Tarouba, 2024*
77 – SL, New York, 2024
80 – AFG, Bridgetown, 2010
81 – SCO, The Oval, 2009

Afghanistan are the FIRST EVER team to lose 5 wickets inside the powerplay in the semifinal in T20 World Cup history

Pacer Anrich Nortje broke the record for most wickets by a South African in a T20 World Cup tournament, during his side’s semifinal contest against Afghanistan in Tarouba on Thursday.