One word. Four syllables. Starts with A. It’s the name of your opponents in the 2024 men's T20 World Cup semifinals. Given these clues before the tournament, South Africa's players would likely have named another team with a similar start: Australia. However, instead of Australia, South Africa will be facing Afghanistan in Trinidad on Thursday. Afghanistan has earned this respect by defeating New Zealand, Australia, and Bangladesh within 18 days.
Despite being heavily beaten by West Indies and India, Afghanistan’s impressive performance has earned them serious consideration. South Africa, on the other hand, has won all seven of their matches. Given South Africa’s historical struggles in knockout games – winning only one out of nine – it wouldn't be unreasonable to consider Afghanistan favourites.
Afghanistan boasts two of the top five run-scorers in the tournament, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, while their bowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi, Rashid Khan, and Naveen-ul-Haq are among the top wicket-takers. In comparison, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock is sixth among batters, and Anrich Nortje is eighth among bowlers.
The current South African team, led by Aiden Markram, acknowledges Afghanistan’s strengths. Rob Walter mentioned during a press conference that professional sports require understanding rather than sympathy for players’ struggles with conditions.
Afghanistan, too, remains grounded in reality. Rashid Khan stated that he only believed their victory over Bangladesh was secured when they took the final wicket.
Many hope that Afghanistan’s participation also represents the women and girls in their country, who face severe restrictions under the Taliban regime, including being barred from playing cricket. Similarly, South African teams once represented a society plagued by apartheid. Now, cricket must address the issue of gender apartheid.
Match Details
- When: Afghanistan vs. South Africa, June 26, 8:30 PM Local, 6 AM IST (June 27), 2:30 AM (June 27)
- Where: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad
- What to Expect: A cool, clear evening with potentially low scores. Papua New Guinea was bowled out for 95 and 78 at this ground, and West Indies’ 149/9 was sufficient to beat New Zealand by 13 runs.
Head to Head in T20 World Cups: Afghanistan 0-2 South Africa
Afghanistan
This team is more than just a cricket team; it represents a movement. Rashid Khan, almost a one-man XI, is their cornerstone.
Probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Rashid Khan (c), Nangeyalia Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa
Despite their shaky performances, they remain unbeaten. They have narrowly escaped defeat in several games.
Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (capt), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi
Did You Know?
- Of the 51 wickets taken by bowlers at this ground during the tournament, 41 (80.39%) have gone to seamers.
- Only one out of 67 individual innings at Tarouba has reached 50. Gulbadin Naib was unbeaten on 49 when Afghanistan clinched victory over Papua New Guinea.
- Thirteen of those 67 innings have resulted in ducks, making up 19.40%.
Quotations:
Rashid Khan expressed confidence, saying, "I think we deserve to be in the semis." Rob Walter highlighted the team’s confidence and ongoing improvements, stating, "You don't lack confidence if you win games the way we have. We are constantly working on improving and being realistic about what needs to be done better while celebrating our successes."