Afghanistan was taken away and stunned by the moment when South Africa, in an astounding display of strength and skill, guaranteed their spot in the ICC final. Afghanistan appeared to be feeling the emotional weight of their recent victories against Australia and Bangladesh as they crumbled under the strain.
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen’s blistering fast bowling session opened the game, completely deconstructing Afghanistan’s lineup in the powerplay. Afghanistan could not keep up with their ongoing attack, and eventually, they were bowled out for just 56 runs, the lowest total in a World Cup semi-final ever.
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Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi carried on their attack after the powerplay, making sure Afghanistan’s innings never got any traction. Even though Afghanistan’s new ball bowlers gave it their all, Fazalhaq Farooqi accurate inswinger allowed him to remove Quinton de Kock from the game, but the target was just too modest to hold.
Reeza Hendricks and skipper Aiden Markram stabilized the ship as it headed towards South Africa. Markram’s graceful strokes helped him win with a six and a four. After the target was reached in less than nine overs, Afghanistan’s incredible campaign came to an abrupt end and a memorable day for South African cricket.
Afghanistan will look back on a trip full of highs and lessons for the future, while South Africa’s decisive victory has set the stage for an eagerly anticipated final.
South Africa vs Afghanistan Match Summary:
South Africa Playing XI:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Reeza Hendricks
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Tristan Stubbs
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Anrich Nortje
- Tabraiz Shamsi
Afghanistan Playing XI:
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Karim Janat
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Nangeyalia Kharote
- Noor Ahmad
- Naveen-ul-Haq
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Player Of The Match (POTM):
- Marco Jansen, SA (3/16)
Top Scorers:
- Reeza Hendricks SA, 29 (25)
Toss:
- Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat
- Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad