Afghanistan’s hopes of qualifying for the T20 World Cup were cruelly dashed on Wednesday as South Africa defeated the minnows by nine wickets with over 11 overs remaining to make it to the cricket showcase for the first time.
Afghanistan elected to bat, and left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 6) and gangling pacer Marco Jansen (3-16) took advantage of their frail batting lineup to be beaten for just 56 off 11.5 overs.
At Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium, fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje each took two wickets to continue the unrelenting pressure.
After Fazalhaq Farooqi’s tournament-leading 17th wicket, South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early in reply on a surface that helped all bowlers but left Afghanistan with too little to defend.
Reeza Hendricks (29 not out) and captain Aiden Markram (23 not out) however, guided the Proteas to victory at 60 for one off 8.5 overs, securing their place in the Barbados final on Saturday. There, they will take on the victorious side from Thursday’s second semi-final between Guyana’s undefeated India and reigning champions England.
“It was just about sticking to our plans, keeping it simple, and getting the results,” Man of the Match Jansen said of South Africa’s bowling display, which effectively put an end to the match. “We assessed pretty early that the wicket was giving us something to work with.”
