World T20 League 2024

Semi Final 1: SA vs AFG

Preview 

The stage is set for a cracker of a semifinal between South Africa and Afghanistan in the 2024 Men’s World T20 League. After making it through the Super 8s, the two will now face off for a spot in the final.

South Africa have been the team of the tournament so far, winning all 7 of their matches. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas have shown great depth in their batting and a well rounded bowling attack. Openers Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks have given good starts, while the middle order trio of Markram, Heinrich Klaasen and Tristan Stubbs have been the mainstays of the innings. Finishers David Miller and Marco Jansen have also chipped in. With the ball, pace duo Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje have been relentless, while spin twins Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj have been very controlled.

Afghanistan have been the tournament’s dark horses, making it to their first ever World T20 League semi final. Led by spin wizard Rashid Khan, the Afghan team have beaten several big teams along the way. Their opening pair of Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have been in scintillating form, scoring nearly 500 runs between them. In the middle order, the experienced Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi have been the mainstays. The bowling attack, led by the pace of Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq and the guile of Rashid Khan and Nabi has been the key to their success.

This semifinal is a clash of styles, South Africa’s power and experience against Afghanistan’s youth and spin. The Proteas will want to break their semifinal jinx and make it to the final for the first time, while the Afghans will want to make history and keep their fairy tale going.

Whatever the result, this semifinal is going to be a cracker, both teams will give it their all and make it to the final of the 2024 World T20 League. 

Match Details

Match: SA vs AFG, Semi Final 1, World T20 League 2024

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024

Time: 6:00 AM (Jun 27)

Venue: Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad


Pitch and Weather Report

The Brian Lara Stadium pitch is a batsman’s paradise with short boundaries allowing big hits. But it also has a lot to offer the bowlers especially in the first 6 overs. The fast bowlers will get assistance with the new ball and pace and movement.

As the game progresses the pitch slows down and offers low bounce which will suit the spinners. The slower balls and variations will be effective in the middle and death overs. The pitch has been good in recent games and teams will look to post a total around 170 batting first.

Overcast conditions are expected in Trinidad. Expect rain interruptions during the game. 

SA vs AFG Squads  

SA: Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs 

AFG: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Najibullah Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad Malik, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Mohammad Ishaq, Nangeyalia Kharote, Hazratullah Zazai

SA vs AFG Probable Playing XIs

SA: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi

AFG: Rashid Khan (c), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Nangeyalia Kharote, Noor Ahmad, Naveen-ul-Haq, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Match Prediction

This is a crucial match for both teams, with a lot on the line. The Afghan bowlers have been performing well, but their batting lineup has been inconsistent. They will need a strong showing from their middle order batsmen to overcome the challenge posed by the South African bowling attack.

South Africa has a more formidable batting lineup and a superior pace bowling unit, which gives them a slight advantage heading into this contest.

South Africa to win.

Suggested Playing XI Real11 Fantasy Cricket



Team 1


 

Team 2