Afghanistan‘s dream run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 came to a sudden halt as they faced a crushing defeat against South Africa in the semi-final held at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. Fans, who were hopeful for a strong performance from Afghanistan, were left in disbelief as South Africa’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in pace and precision.
Rashid Khan’s decision backfires
Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan‘s decision quickly backfired. South Africa’s new-ball bowlers, led by Marco Jansen, wreaked havoc, bundling out Afghanistan for a mere 56 runs, marking the lowest total in T20 World Cup semi-final history.
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada set the tone
The onslaught began with Jansen removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over. Jansen, hitting perfect lengths, continued his rampage by claiming two more wickets. Kagiso Rabada joined the party, striking twice in his opening over, reducing Afghanistan to a dismal 23/5 within the first five overs.
Comprehensive bowling performance
There was no respite for Afghanistan as Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi cleaned up the remaining wickets, sharing five scalps between them. The Afghan batting line-up crumbled under relentless pressure, with poor shot selection compounding their woes. South Africa’s clinical bowling ensured their progression to their first-ever World Cup final, be it in ODI or T20I formats.
Afghanistan’s batting collapse
Only Gulbadin Naib managed to reach double figures for Afghanistan, scoring just 10 runs. The rest of the team faltered, failing to mount any resistance. Remarkably, Afghanistan did not hit a single six during their innings, setting an unwanted record for the lowest total against South Africa in T20Is.
Also READ: Hashim Amla predicts the winner of T20 World Cup 2024
Fans’ reactions
The Afghan fans, who had been full of hope and anticipation, were left stunned and disappointed by the unexpected collapse. Social media was flooded with reactions ranging from disbelief to support for the team’s journey so far. Many fans expressed pride in Afghanistan reaching the semi-finals for the first time, despite the heartbreaking loss.
Lowest totals in T20 World Cup semi-final:
- 56 all out: Afghanistan against South Africa, Tarouba
- 101 all out: West Indies against South Africa, The Oval
- 131 all out: Australia against West Indies, Colombo
Meanwhile, the Proteas completed the paltry chase in 8.5 overs with nine wickets in hand.
Here is how fans reacted:
So Afghanistan qualify for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players i am afraid .. #T20WorldCup2024
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 27, 2024
Afghanistan all out for 56.
The lowest total in history of T20 World Cup semi finals.— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) June 27, 2024
I hope the emotional high of making the semi-final hasn't drained Afghanistan.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 27, 2024
Are yaar Afghanistan #SAvsAFG #SAvAFG pic.twitter.com/jCo54FJhSx
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) June 27, 2024
AFGHANISTAN 56 ALL-OUT IN THE T20I WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA 🤯 pic.twitter.com/0hWbVfUCaU
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) June 27, 2024
Afghanistan before today's match #AFGvSA pic.twitter.com/7uNV3M9exG
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi) June 27, 2024
Australia watching Afghanistan's performance in Semi Final 💀 pic.twitter.com/pXFEXry3kr
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) June 27, 2024
I feel for Afghanistan. They played the last Super 8 match, they had to fly from St Vincent to Trinidad straight away, their flight was delayed by 4 hours and they had time for practice in Trinidad. They should have played the semifinal in Guyana, not India. This is so unfair; it… pic.twitter.com/v8cdeEz5jo
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) June 27, 2024
Highest scorer for Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/gWedOCVfp3
— TukTuk Academy (@TukTuk_Academy) June 27, 2024
Chin up, Skipp! You've given us the World this event! 🙌@RashidKhan_19#AfghanAtalan | #T20WorldCup | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/jFu6SO2vmX
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) June 27, 2024
Afghanistan wickets falling.#SAvsAFG pic.twitter.com/5Pek7QvpzV
— Krishna (@Atheist_Krishna) June 27, 2024
AFGHANISTAN BOWLED OUT THEIR LOWEST EVER TOTAL IN T20I HISTORY – 56 RUNS. pic.twitter.com/U21yCxaUcF
— Tanuj Singh (@ImTanujSingh) June 27, 2024
Afghanistan all out for just 56
This is Lowest total in Semi Finals of the ICC T20 World Cup History.#sportspavilionlk #SAvsAFG #T20WorldCup #SemiFinal1 #danushkaaravinda pic.twitter.com/ccJnw2Trgf
— DANUSHKA ARAVINDA (@DanuskaAravinda) June 27, 2024
Afghanistan Bowled out for 56
Their Lowest Total in T20I Cricket pic.twitter.com/jh0LhLqIzh
— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) June 27, 2024
Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Here’s what will happen if IND vs ENG semifinal gets washed out due to rain
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