South Africa extended their unbeaten run in the 2024 T20 World Cup with a thrilling last-over victory over co-hosts West Indies. They stormed into the semi-final with a three-wicket win and are set to face Afghanistan on Thursday (June 27) at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.
The Proteas always enter major tournaments as favourites but fail to clear the knockout hurdles. However, they hope to break the jinx this time and win their maiden T20 World Cup. Afghanistan are coming on the back of remarkable victories and it will be a tough challenge for Aiden Markram and Co.
Read More: 3 South Africa players to watch out for in their clash against West Indies in T20 World Cup 2024
Here are three South African players to watch out for in SA vs AFG Semi-Final 1:
3. Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock has had a poor start to his World Cup campaign as he completely struggled to find runs in the group stage. However, the keeper-batter turned the table in the Super 8s with two match-winning performances. He was adjudged Player of the Match against the USA and England for scoring 74 and 64, respectively. With his opening partner Reeza Hendricks through a lean patch, de Kock must continue his fine form in the knockouts.
2. David Miller
David Miller is continuing to prove that he is a clutch player. Batting in the middle order, Miller has played a couple of rescue knocks to bail his team out of trouble. His 43 off 28 balls against England was instrumental in South Africa clinching a nervy seven-run win. The southpaw is a big match player and the team expects him to shine in the upcoming matches.
1. Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is a go-to-bowler for any captain. South Africa will be heavily reliant on Rabada in the upcoming crucial matches. At an average of 14.50, the right-arm pacer has taken 10 wickets so far, six of which have come in Super 8s. Notably, the pitch at the Brian Lara Stadium is best suited to the bowlers and the pacers are likely to get more help. Afghanistan openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran are in fine form and Rabada will have a tough task in the initial overs.