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| Photo: ESPN/ICC |
Afghanistan's batting lineup crumbled against the South African bowlers, managing to set a target of only 57 runs. South Africa chased down the required runs with ease, reaching the target with the loss of just one wicket in 8.4 overs.
Match Summary
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Afghanistan's entire team was bowled out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs. Afghanistan's batsmen struggled against the South African attack, with no player able to withstand the bowling.
First Innings
For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the only player to reach double figures, scoring 10 runs. Key players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Mohammad Nabi, and Noor Ahmad were dismissed without scoring. Ibrahim Zadran made 2 runs, Gulbadin Naib 9, Nangyal Kharaoti 2, Karim Janat 8, Rashid Khan 8, and Naveen-ul-Haq 2.
South Africa's bowling was spearheaded by Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi, who both took 3 wickets each, while Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje took 2 wickets apiece.
Second Innings
In reply, South African opener Quinton de Kock was dismissed for 5 runs. However, Reeza Hendricks scored 29 runs and captain Aiden Markram added an unbeaten 23 runs, leading South Africa to victory and into the final. The only wicket in South Africa's innings was taken by Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Tournament Progress
The first semi-final was held at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad, with South Africa and Afghanistan competing for a spot in the final. The second semi-final will see India face England at Providence at 7:30 PM. The tournament final is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 29, in Bridgetown.
Afghanistan made a notable impact in the tournament by upsetting Australia in the Super 8 stage and defeating Bangladesh by 8 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis system to qualify for the semi-finals for the first time.
South Africa, having previously reached the semi-finals in 2009 and 2014 but falling short, entered this tournament with a determined aim to play in the final.
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