The T20 World Cup had enough shock awaiting us as Afghanistan denied the Aussies their spot in the final four. While South Africa also gained a spot with undefeated form in the Cup so far.
The first semi-final was played at Trinidad as Afghanistan dared to bat first against a vehement Protea pace attack. Afghanistan has put on resilient batting performances before and has hoped to repeat the same in the semi-final under better batting conditions at Trinidad.
Star Afghan batter Gurbaz was expected to step up on this occasion; however, he failed Marco Jansen’s opening spell, and Zadran followed him back to the dugout as Rabada rattled his stumps wide.
Jansen, Rabada, and Nortje broke the back of the Afghanistan batting order; the middle order once again failed to show any form as the Afghanistan team was all-out for 56.
The Afghan bowlers didn’t have much to do as none could defend a score like 57 in front of giants like South Africa. South Africans scored 60 runs in a blistering 8.5 overs and qualified for their first-ever World Cup final.
The Proteas will play their first-ever World Cup final at Kensington Oval against the winners of the second semi-final, either defending champions England or Men in Blue India.
With South Africa’s stunning form, they are now the most deserving contenders to lift the World Cup, whoever be their competitors.
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