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South Africa qualified for their first-ever World Cup final after a dominant nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on June 26. The Proteas have suffered heartbreaking defeats in their previous seven World Cup semi-finals ( five in ODIs and two in T20Is) over a 32-year period.
However, Aiden Markram's men left no doubts in the semi-final against Afghanistan, bowling them out for a paltry 56 in 11.5 overs. They completed the run-chase in a mere 8.5 overs to become the first finalist of the tournament.
The win was also South Africa's eighth consecutive in the ongoing World Cup, following four in the group stage and three in the Super Eights. Marco Jansen set the South African bowling innings rolling with a three-wicket spell in the powerplay, earning him Player of the Match.
He was well supported by fellow pacemen Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje with two wickets each. Left-arm wrist spinner Tabriaz Shamsi finished off the Afghanistan tail with three wickets.
"It's not only the captain that gets you here, it is a massive squad effort" - Aiden Markram
South African skipper Aiden Markram praised the players and the support staff for their overall performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
Renowned for underachieving in ICC events, the Proteas have shredded those notions, winning all eight games thus far in the ongoing tournament.
After the historic feat of reaching a first-ever World Cup final, Markram said at the post-match presentation:
"Feels good. It's not only the captain that gets you here, it is a massive squad effort. Plenty of guys behind the scenes as well. We have had a few close games and a few people back home would have woken up early with more grey hairs. Glad today was a bit more comforting. (On the final) It is one more step for us, it is an opportunity we have never had, nothing to be scared of."
South Africa have played in the final of an ICC event once before in the 1998 Champions Trophy, defeating the West Indies in the contest.
They will take on the winner of the second semi-final between India and England to play in the summit clash at Barbados on Saturday, June 29.
