SA vs AFG, T20 World Cup 2024, Key Moments: South Africa cruise to final after dominating Afghanistan in semi-final

SA vs AFG Match Key Moments (X: T20WorldCup)

Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi each claimed three wickets as South Africa dismantled Afghanistan for 56 runs, securing a commanding nine-wicket victory in the first Twenty20 World Cup semi-final in Trinidad on Wednesday.

This win marked South Africa's first triumph in eight short-format World Cup semi-finals since 1992. They now await the winner of Thursday's second semi-final between India and defending champions England for their inaugural final appearance on Saturday.

Despite their historical underachievement, South Africa showcased dominance by swiftly dismissing Afghanistan's batting lineup in under 12 overs at Brian Lara Stadium, restricting them to their lowest-ever T20 international score.

While South Africa's batting had its moments of struggle in the tournament, Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Quinton de Kock early. However, Reeza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram guided the Proteas to victory within nine overs without further setbacks.

Here are the key moments from the match.

AFG, 1st Innings

• Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz to open for Afghanistan
• Jansen dismisses Gurbaz, Afghanistan lose wicket in first over
• Jansen claims Gulbadin after Gurbaz, Afghanistan lose quick wickets
• Afghanistan in trouble, three down, Rabada packs Ibrahim Zadran, AFG 20/3 in 3.1 overs
• SA on fire, Rabada dismisses M Nabi, 4 down, more trouble for Afghanistan
• Afghanistan five down inside powerplay, SA dominates, AFG 23/5 in 5 overs
• Nortje dismisses Azmatullah, Afghanistan in deep trouble, AFG 28/6
• Rashid hits back to back two fours
• Shamsi removes Karim Janat, seven down, Afghanistan in deep trouble, AFG 50/7 vs SA
• Shamsi claims second wicket, removes Noor Ahmad, eight down
• Rashid Khan departs, nine down, Afghanistan's hopes diminishes
• Afghanistan all out in less than 100 runs, 57 run target for SA

• Quinton de Kock falls early, Fazalhaq Farooqi gives Afghanistan the first breakthrough
• Some good spells of boundaries by South African batters
• South Africa win by 9 wickets against Afghanistan, enter final