New York: South Africa created history by making it to the final of the T20 World Cup 2024. For the first time in World Cup history, South Africa will play the final. South Africa has thrown off the tag of ‘chokers’ on itself. Before today, South Africa has been losing in knockout matches.
In the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024, South Africa defeated Afghanistan by 9 wickets. Batting first, Afghanistan were bundled out for 56 runs in 11.5 overs. Chasing the target, South Africa won the match by scoring 60 runs for the loss of 1 wicket in 8.5 overs.
Defeated Afghanistan in a one-sided manner
South Africa has reached the final for the first time under the captaincy of Aiden Markram. South Africa has not lost a single match in this tournament so far, but this is the first victory that South Africa has won in a one-sided manner. Afghanistan could not even come to the match. However, this World Cup has been no less than a dream for Afghanistan.
All the World Cup semi-finals of South Africa
1992 ODI World Cup: Lost to England by 19 runs
1999 ODI World Cup: Match tied against Australia (Australia reached the final due to being at the top of the Super-6 table)
2007 ODI World Cup: Lost to Australia by 7 wickets
2009 T20 World Cup: Lost to Pakistan by 7 runs
2014 T20 World Cup: Lost to India by 6 wickets
2015 ODI World Cup: Lost to New Zealand by 4 wickets
2023 ODI World Cup: Lost to Australia by 3 wickets
2024 T20 World Cup: Made it to the final by defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets
It is worth noting that in the year 1998, South Africa has won the only title of the first edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. In this tournament played in Bangladesh, South Africa defeated West Indies in the final. According to this, the team has reached the final of an ICC tournament after 26 years.
South Africa dominated the match
South Africa’s bowlers completely dominated the match. There was double bounce on the pitch, but Afghanistan’s batting was their weak link in this entire tournament. Four wickets fell in the first four overs and no batsman from their opening pair was left on the pitch. Apart from Jansen, Rabada and Norkhia, Shamsi made it difficult for Afghanistan to play. South Africa will play its first final in the last three decades.
