TRINIDAD: South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by 9 wickets to reach the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time on Wednesday. Following skittling Afghanistan for 56 at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium, the Proteas cruised to their target, concluding on 60-1.
South Africa’s Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 6) and Marco Jansen (3-16) spearheaded the demolition of a suspect Afghanistan batting line-up for just 56 off 11.5 overs following they chose to bat. Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada maintained the relentless pressure with two wickets each.
On a surface which encouraged all bowlers but left Afghanistan with too little to defend, the Proteas lost Quinton de Kock early in reply for Fazalhaq Farooqi’s event-leading 17th wicket.
But Reeza Hendricks (29 not out) and skipper Aiden Markram (23 not out) saw South Africa to win at 60 for one off 8.5 overs. South Africans advance to Saturday’s showpiece occasion in Barbados where they will face the winners of Thursday’s second semi-final between England and India in Guyana.
Match Results
Afghanistan 56
South Africa
(8.5/20 ov, T:57) 60/1
South Africa won by nine wickets.
