South Africa’s cricket team are one step away from ending one of the most frustrating droughts in South African sport.
The Proteas achieved a crushing nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Trinidad on Thursday morning to reach the T20 World Cup final.
While the SA women’s team reached the T20 World Cup final in Cape Town last year, this is the first time the national men’s side has qualified for a major global final in any format.
The Proteas remain unbeaten after eight matches in the tournament.
Afghanistan batted first but were bowled out for just 56 runs. Only Azmatullah Omarzai, who scored 10, managed to reach double figures. Marco Jansen led the Proteas’ bowling attack with three wickets for 16 runs, and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi cleaned up the tail with an impressive 3/6.
South Africa reached 60/1 in the ninth over, securing victory with 67 balls to spare.
Opening batter Quinton de Kock fell for five runs, but Reeza Hendricks (29 not out) and captain Aiden Markram (23 not out) shared an unbroken 55-run partnership for the second wicket, sealing the win.
“We’ve never been there in a final before, but there’s a lot of belief,” said Proteas captain Aiden Markram after the match.
“It feels good. It’s a massive squad effort. I’m really chuffed for us to have one more crack at lifting that trophy.”
The Proteas will now face either India or defending champions England in the final which will be played in Barbados on Saturday.
India and England will compete in the other semifinal in Guyana on Thursday afternoon.
Compiled by Staff Writer
Pictured above: The Proteas.
Source: Proteas/X
