South Africa has secured a spot in their first-ever ICC Men's T20 World Cup final, by defeating Afghanistan convincingly in Trinidad on Thursday. The team's emphatic win was highlighted by a superb bowling performance and composed batting from the top order.
South Africa's bowlers dismantled Afghanistan and restricting them to a mere 56 runs. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi led the charge, with Jansen earning Player of the Match for his 3 wickets.
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Chasing a modest 57 runs, South Africa's top order remained composed despite an early setback. Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram guided their team to win within nine overs which secured South Africa's place in the final.
Can South Africa do it 'This time for Africa'?
As South Africa prepares for the final, 2010 FIFA World Cup song anthem 'Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)' has been resonating with sports fans. In 2010, South Africa became the first African country to host a football World Cup.
With confidence and support, South Africa will be looking to lift their maiden T20 World Cup trophy on June 29 in Barbados.
More: Fact check: Is Aiden Markram the first captain to lead South Africa to T20 World Cup final?
Aiden Markram, the South African skipper, paid tribute to the other 14 members of the squad and the fans back home.
"It feels good (to make it to the final). It's a massive squad effort. Really chuffed for us to have one more crack at lifting that trophy. There are a lot of people waking up (in South Africa) with a little bit more grey hair, but this win will be more comforting for them. We've never been there (to the final) before, but there's a lot of belief. It takes a full squad to put together a really good game of cricket," he said after the win over Afghanistan.
The team will take heart from the fact that Markram has a flawless record as South Africa captain in World Cups. He led the team to a title triumph at the 2014 U-19 World Cup. With Temba Bavuma unavailable, Markram had also led the team to two wins during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where South Africa lost in the semifinal.
Along with India, South Africa are the only other team to remain unbeaten at the T20 World Cup 2024 so far. They have scored eight wins from eight matches so far.
What next for South Africa?
South Africa will face either England or India in the 2024 T20 World Cup final on Saturday, June 29. They are coming very strong with an unbeaten record in the current World Cup. It will be interesting to see if they can carry the same momentum in the final as well.
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