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Fans shared their reactions to South Africa securing a thrilling three-wicket victory over the West Indies in Match #50 of the 2024 T20 World Cup on Monday, June 24, in Antigua. The win helped the Proteas seal a semifinal spot in the showpiece event.
Batting first, the West Indies posted 135/8, with top contributions from Roston Chase (52 off 42) and Kyle Mayers (35 off 34). The failures of their key players like Nicholas Pooran, Rovman Powell, and Andre Russell hurt the team's chances to post a quality total. Tabraiz Shamsi was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors, with figures of 3/27.
Due to the rain, the game was reduced to 17 overs, with a revised target of 123 for South Africa. They were 42/3 in the sixth over. However, Heinrich Klaasen scored 20 runs in the seventh over bowled by Gudakesh Motie, which brought back the momentum for the Proteas.
The hosts secured consistent breakthroughs to put the Aiden Markram-led side under pressure. However, Marco Jansen (21* off 14) held his nerves to win the game for his team with five balls to spare. Chase (3/12) returned as the finest bowler for the Caribbean team.
Watch Jansen's match-winning six below:
Fans reacted to the Proteas reaching the semifinals on X:
"South Africa have survived another close game & are now in the SF, still undefeatable, looks like their stars are finally aligning," a fan posted.
Fans reserved praise for Shamsi for his impressive bowling performance and Jansen for playing smart cricket to take the team over the line.
"Tabraiz Shamsi MOTM 🔥🔥🔥Great comeback from Shammo. After the US game, a lot of people completely wrote him off. Just shown his class today. An absolute match winner!!!" another tweeted.
"Jansen has the capability of stepping up under pressure.. A rare quality for a South African player after David Miller.. South Africa are finding insane ways to win which is the hallmark of any trophy winning team.. Can they make it 9/9 just 2 more to go," this fan posted.
"Marco Jansen has ice in his vains!! What a knock under pressure. This 21* off 14 was bigger than many fifties. He took his side home by his smartness and maturity. Didn't went after Joseph as he was bowling well and just chipped couple of braces off him. Waited for McCoy and smashed a six to him on first ball to finish the game. A generational talent they said , very well said. Sky is the limit for this man," a fan noted.
Who can South Africa face in 2024 T20 World Cup semifinals?
With a victory against the West Indies, South Africa cemented their place in the top spot of Group 2. Meanwhile, England are in the second place in the same group.
The Proteas will likely clash with Australia/Afghanistan, who will finish second in Group 1. On the other hand, India are expected to face the Jos Buttler-led side in the semifinal.
