South Africa packed Afghan team just 56 in 11.5 overs

2024.06.28

Afghanistan were bundled out for the lowest score in a T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa.

Afghanistan’s incredible journey in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 came to an abrupt end as they lost badly to South Africa in the semi-final, which took place in Tarouba, Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium. Supporters expecting Afghanistan to put up a good show were shocked by the speed and accuracy with which South Africa’s bowlers performed.

After winning the toss, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan decided to bat first, but his move swiftly backfired. Under the direction of Marco Jansen, South Africa’s new-ball bowlers caused mayhem, batting Afghanistan out for a meager 56 runs—the lowest total in the history of the T20 World Cup semifinal.

In the first over of the attack, Jansen removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Jansen took two more wickets as he carried on his rampage, striking precise distances. After joining the fray, Kagiso Rabada struck twice in his opening over, bringing Afghanistan to a pitiful 23/5 in the first five overs.

thorough bowling performance

Afghanistan saw no break as Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi combined to take five wickets to finish up the remaining opposition. Under constant strain, the Afghan batting lineup collapsed, and their misery was exacerbated by bad shot selection. Whether in the ODI or T20I forms, South Africa’s brilliant bowling guaranteed their advancement to their first-ever World Cup final.

With just 10 runs scored, Gulbadin Naib was the only Afghan player to score in double digits. The squad as a whole stumbled and could not muster any resistance. Afghanistan unintentionally established a record for the lowest total in Twenty20 Internationals against South Africa as they remarkably failed to score a single six during their innings.

The sudden collapse startled and dismayed the Afghan supporters, who had been full of expectation and optimism. Reactions on social media ranged from shock to support for the team’s accomplishments thus far. Despite the devastating defeat, many supporters expressed satisfaction in Afghanistan for making it to the semi-finals for the first time.

Lowest totals in the semifinal of the T20 World Cup:

Afghanistan vs South Africa at Tarouba is 56 all out; West Indies versus South Africa at The Oval is 101 all out; Australia versus West Indies at Colombo is 131 all out.

With nine wickets remaining, the Proteas finished the pitiful chase in 8.5 overs.

@charith