"Finals, here we come!"- Fans react to South Africa reaching first-ever World Cup final with win over Afghanistan in 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final

South Africa finally broke their World Cup semi-final jinx with a commanding performance over Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final at Trinidad on Wednesday, June 26. The Proteas have endured a long history of heartbreaking losses in ODI and T20 World Cup semi-finals since 1992.

However, with little to no expectations, Aiden Markram's Men have stormed through the ongoing tournament with eight wins and no losses. In the big semi-final, the South African bowlers brought their A-game, dismissing Afghanistan for a paltry 56 in 11.5 overs.

The batters then completed the formalities in style, finishing the chase in a mere 8.5 overs with nine wickets to spare. Marco Jansen spearheaded the attack with a Player of the Match figures of 3/16 in three overs.

He received terrific support from fellow pacers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje with two wickets each, and left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi with three wickets.

Fans on X hailed the Proteas for reaching their first-ever World Cup final with the following reactions:

Fans continued to celebrate South Africa's first-ever World Cup semi-final win with one saying:

"Against all odds, South Africa advances to the T20 World Cup finals, shedding the chokers tag. A new era begins!"

"Sensational stuff South Africa! All the jigsaw pieces are interlocking with impressive strength and belief. These guys each have unique & magnificent skillsets... and that will set them up perfectly for the Barbados pitch," said a fan.

"Finally, The curse is broken, South Africa are through to their maiden world cup final beating Afghanistan comprehensively. Well done South Africa," a fan tweeted.

South Africa will face India or England in the grand finale

South Africa will now await the winner of the second semi-final between India and England to meet in the 2024 T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29. While it will be the first final for the Proteas, India and England have previously won the T20 World Cup title.

The Men in Blue triumphed in the inaugural edition in 2007, while England won the trophy twice in 2010 and 2022. The Proteas have already faced England in the Super Eight stage, pulling off a seven-run win.

South Africa and India are the only two unbeaten sides thus far in the ongoing tournament. Should they meet in the summit clash, Team India hold a 4-2 edge in T20 World Cup meetings over the Proteas.

However, when it comes to England, South Africa boasts an impressive 5-2 record against them in the T20 World Cup.