Twitter Reactions: South Africa thrash Afghanistan to book maiden World Cup final ticket

Marco Jansen. (Photo Source: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

The Semi-Final 1 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 featured a clash between Afghanistan and South Africa. Both sides had put in exceptional performances throughout the tournament to make it this far into it. South Africa, who were unbeaten across the group stages of the competition and the Super Eight stage, continued their unbeaten run. 

On the other hand, Afghanistan had a fairytale campaign in the tournament. After reaching the Super Eight stage, the team was placed in the same group as India and Australia. However, showing resilience, Afghanistan managed to eliminate Australia and progress further. 

The Semi-Final 1 between South Africa and Afghanistan began with the latter coming in to bat first after winning the toss. However, the plan quickly backfired, and Afghanistan’s dreams were crushed by the Proteas’ bowling attack. 

The side opened with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran scoring zero and two runs, respectively. Gulbadin Naib added nine runs in eight deliveries, with Azmatullah Omarzai being the highest run getter in the first innings with 10 runs to his name. 

Things went from bad to worse after the side’s middle order collapsed. Mohammad Nabi departed for a duck, with Nangeyalia Kharote scoring two runs, alongside Karim Janat and Rashid Khan, who added eight runs each. South Africa’s bowling attack saw Afghanistan bundled out for a total of 56 runs in the first innings. 

Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi were the highest wicket takers for South Africa in the first innings, with three wickets each. Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took two wickets each as well. 

Aiming to chase down the target, Afghanistan struck early with a little bit of hope as veteran Quinton de Kock departed for just five runs. However, Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram propelled the side to a win. Hendricks scored 29* runs in 25 deliveries, whereas Markram added 23* runs on the board as South Africa won the game by nine wickets and booked their place in the T20 World Cup 2024 final.

Here’s how X reacted to the game: