The State of Play
2024 T20 World Cup surprises packages Afghanistan will be targeting an upset when they face South Africa in the semi-finals in Trinidad and Tobago.
Bowlers Rashid Khan, Naveen-ul-Haq and Fazallhaq Farooqi shone as their side beat Bangladesh by eight runs to reach the final four for the first time.
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“It’s unbelievable,” Rashid said after a result which eliminated Australia. “Back home, everyone is so, so happy for us.
“It’s like a dream for us to be in a semi-final. It is a massive celebration back home now, I’m sure. It is a big achievement for us.”
Discussing the semi-finals, Rashid added: “We have to go in with a very clear mind, keep things simple for ourselves and make sure we enjoy it.”
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South Africa followed up their narrow win over England by beating the West Indies by three wickets.
The likes of Kagiso Rabada ensure the Proteas have a formidable bowling attack of their own, while Quinton de Kock is on 199 runs at the finals, bolstered by 65 off 38 balls against England.
South Africa have survived several scares but gone six matches unbeaten and have the destructive Heinrich Klaasen alongside De Kock.
A famous night for Afghanistan🥳#T20WorldCup #AFGvAUS pic.twitter.com/tMyMKN3QjG
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 23, 2024
Ten years after last reaching the final, South Africa are entitled to feel that this is a highly presentable chance to end their wait.
“We keep finding a way to win these matches, whatever the situation,” Player of the Match Tabraiz Shamsi reflected.
“Our supporters would probably like bigger wins. But things like this keep us in check and we’ve been able to overcome these moments throughout the tournament.”
Expected Line-ups
South Africa: De Kock (wk), Hendricks, Markram (c), Miller, Klaasen, Stubbs, Jansen, Maharaj, Rabada, Nortje, Shamsi
Afghanistan: Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Zazai, Naib, Omarzai, Nabi, Khan (c), Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Farooqi
South Africa are through to the semi-finals following an edge-of-your-seat thriller 😲#T20WorldCup | #WIvSA pic.twitter.com/XZD0X7P7To
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) June 24, 2024
How to watch
Sky have the rights to show the T20 World Cup to UK viewers in 2024 and will broadcast every game live. Coverage gets underway on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket from 1am UK time on Thursday morning.
In India, the games can be streamed on Disney + Hotstar app and website. They are also available across the Star Sports Network.
Prediction
South Africa are rightly favourites but Afghanistan have captured imaginations with how good they have been this summer.
Their opponents should have too much experience to suffer a shock defeat. A low-scoring win for South Africa looks likeliest on a pitch not renowned for hefty individual totals and with two dangerous bowling line-ups.
