Fans in shock as South Africa packs Afghanistan for the lowest-ever total in T20 World Cup semi-final

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  • Afghanistan were bundled out for the lowest score in a T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

  • The Proteas packed Afghan team for just 56 in 11.5 overs.

Fans in shock as South Africa packs Afghanistan for the lowest-ever total in T20 World Cup semi-final
Afghanistan gets bundled out for the lowest total on T20 WC semi-final (Image Source: Twitter)

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Afghanistan‘s dream run in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 came to a sudden halt as they faced a crushing defeat against South Africa in the semi-final held at Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad. Fans, who were hopeful for a strong performance from Afghanistan, were left in disbelief as South Africa’s bowlers delivered a masterclass in pace and precision.

Rashid Khan’s decision backfires

Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan‘s decision quickly backfired. South Africa’s new-ball bowlers, led by Marco Jansen, wreaked havoc, bundling out Afghanistan for a mere 56 runs, marking the lowest total in T20 World Cup semi-final history.

Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada set the tone

The onslaught began with Jansen removing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the very first over. Jansen, hitting perfect lengths, continued his rampage by claiming two more wickets. Kagiso Rabada joined the party, striking twice in his opening over, reducing Afghanistan to a dismal 23/5 within the first five overs.

Comprehensive bowling performance

There was no respite for Afghanistan as Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi cleaned up the remaining wickets, sharing five scalps between them. The Afghan batting line-up crumbled under relentless pressure, with poor shot selection compounding their woes. South Africa’s clinical bowling ensured their progression to their first-ever World Cup final, be it in ODI or T20I formats.

Afghanistan’s batting collapse

Only Gulbadin Naib managed to reach double figures for Afghanistan, scoring just 10 runs. The rest of the team faltered, failing to mount any resistance. Remarkably, Afghanistan did not hit a single six during their innings, setting an unwanted record for the lowest total against South Africa in T20Is.

Also READ: Hashim Amla predicts the winner of T20 World Cup 2024

Fans’ reactions

The Afghan fans, who had been full of hope and anticipation, were left stunned and disappointed by the unexpected collapse. Social media was flooded with reactions ranging from disbelief to support for the team’s journey so far. Many fans expressed pride in Afghanistan reaching the semi-finals for the first time, despite the heartbreaking loss.

Lowest totals in T20 World Cup semi-final:

  • 56 all out: Afghanistan against South Africa, Tarouba
  • 101 all out: West Indies against South Africa, The Oval
  • 131 all out: Australia against West Indies, Colombo

Meanwhile, the Proteas completed the paltry chase in 8.5 overs with nine wickets in hand.

Here is how fans reacted:

Also READ: T20 World Cup 2024: Here’s what will happen if IND vs ENG semifinal gets washed out due to rain

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CATEGORY: Afghanistan Featured T20 World Cup Twitter Reactions

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AKSHAT GAUR
Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.