South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by nine wickets on Wednesday to reach the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time.
At Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium, the Proteas bowled out Afghanistan for a mere 56 runs. South Africa then comfortably reached their victory target, finishing on 60-1.
Left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 6) and pacer Marco Jansen (3 for 16) led the demolition of Afghanistan’s batting line-up, which collapsed to 56 runs in 11.5 overs after opting to bat first.
Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje continued the onslaught, each taking two wickets and maintaining relentless pressure.
On a pitch favoring all bowlers, Afghanistan’s hopes of defending their low total were dashed. South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early to Fazalhaq Farooqi, who claimed his tournament-leading 17th wicket. However, Reeza Hendricks (29 not out) and captain Aiden Markram (23 not out) guided South Africa to victory, reaching 60-1 in 8.5 overs.
The Proteas advance to Saturday’s final in Barbados, where they will face the winners of Thursday’s second semi-final between title-holders England and unbeaten India in Guyana.
