South Africa’s entry into a World Cup final was a long time coming indeed. Well, about 25 years to be exact, as the Proteas’ misery finally came to an end today, when Aiden Markram and co. dismantled Afghanistan to clinch a 9-wicket win in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final.
One could have predicted South Africa to win the encounter ahead of the match itself, due to their unbeaten streak of 7 wins so far in the competition. But, there existed another streak that haunted them coming into the fixture: their record at World Cup semi-finals.
Prior to this semi-final, SA have lost each of their previous seven semi-finals, with the most recent defeat coming in the 2023 ODI World Cup, where they fell to heated rivals Australia by 3 wickets.
This was/is the chief reason for the ‘chokers’ tag that follows them around.
But, now that is what also makes today’s win so much sweeter as for the Proteas themselves. For it is redemption that has been 25 years in the making. And it was all headed by none other than Marco Jansen today.
The duo of Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi scalped 3 wickets each, while pacers Rabada and Nortje claimed 2 wickets each to ultimately bundle the Afghans for a disastrous 56 runs within 12 overs.
Then onwards, except for the hiccup of losing Quinton de Kock early, it was smooth sailing for the Proteas, who cruised to an easy 9-wicket win, chasing down the target in just 8.5 overs, thanks to Reeza Hendricks and skipper Markram himself.
The Proteas will face either India or England in the decider after skittling the Afghans for their lowest ever T20I total and the lowest-ever total in a T20 World Cup semi-final.
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