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

Table of Contents

Rashid Khan’s decision backfires
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada set the tone
Comprehensive bowling performance
Afghanistan’s batting collapse
Fans’ reactions
- Lowest totals in T20 World Cup semi-final
- Here is how fans reacted

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, w𒊎reaked havoc, bundling out Afghanisꦏtan 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 2𝓰3/5 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 u👍⛦nwanted record for the lowest total against South Africa in T20Is.

Also READ: Hashim Amla predicts the winner of T20 Worꦰld 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 wicketsꦑ in hand.

Here is how fans reacted:

So Afghanistan qualify ๊for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players i am afraid ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)

Afghanistan all out for 56.
The lowes༺t total🍌 in history of T20 World Cup semi finals.
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani)

I hope the emotional high of making the semi-final hasn't drained Afghanistan.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha)

Are yaar Afghanistan
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1)

AFGHANISTAN 56 ALL-OUT IN ꦓT🍃HE T20I WORLD CUP SEMI-FINAL AGAINST SOUTH AFRICA 🤯
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)

Afghanistan before today's match
— Abhishek (@be_mewadi)

Australia watching Afghanistan's performance in Semi Final 💀
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda)

I feel for Afghanistan. They played the last Super 8 match, they had to fly from St Vincent to Trinidad straight away, their flight was delayed by 4 hours🥃 and they had time f💧or practice in Trinidad. They should have played the semifinal in Guyana, not India. This is so unfair; it…
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan)