South Africa steamrolls Afghanistan to enter first T20 World Cup final.
South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by nine wickets in the first T20 World Cup semi-final in Tarouba to qualify for their maiden final appearance in the tournament’s history.
Bowling Afghanistan out for their lowest T20I total of 56, it was a clinical display by the Proteas to win an ICC knockout match for the first time after eight previous failures.
Player of the Match Marco Jansen led the rampage, claiming three scalps in the powerplay during his incisive spell of 3/16. Kagiso Rabada snapped up two in two balls as Afghanistan crumbled to 18/5.
Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi combined for the remaining wickets as the minnows were dismissed inside 20 overs. It was the quickest dismissal in a T20 WC semi-final.
Quinton de Kock fell early but Reeza Hendricks (29*) and stand-in skipper Aiden Markram (23*) ensured South Africa romped home inside nine overs with eight wickets in hand.
Afghanistan’s tournament run ended after inspiring wins but their bowlers could only delay the inevitable against a clinical Proteas unit eager to make amends for past failures at this stage.
South Africa’s undefeated run at the event continued as they booked a spot against the winner of the India-England clash in the championship decider in Barbados on June 29.
