Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup dreams were dashed after a fast-paced South African upset in the first semi-final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on Thursday morning AEST.
After captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bowl first, Afghanistan slumped to 6-28 in the seventh over as the Proteas’ quickie Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada tore through the top order.
Match Center: Afghanistan vs South Africa Live Scorecard
Karim Janat and Khan briefly steadied the ship with a 22-run partnership for the seventh wicket before spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and speedster Anrich Nortje cleaned up the tail.
Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for 56 in just 11.5 overs, the lowest team total in a men’s T20 World Cup final. It was also the lowest team score in the country in that format.
South Africa, unbeaten in the tournament after seven games, are chasing a 57-point target to qualify for the final of their first ICC competition since the 1998 Champions Trophy.
Lowest team score in Men’s T20 World Cup knockout
56 – Afghanistan v RSA, 2024
101 – West Indies v SL, 2009
101 – Sri Lanka vs WI, 2012
7-123 – Pakistan v SL, 2012
6-128 – Sri Lanka v ENG, 2010
More to come…
