In the T20 World Cup 2024, Afghanistan has entered the semi-finals by defeating Bangladesh in a thrilling match. Now the first semi-final of the tournament will be played between Afghanistan and South Africa. In the second semi-final match of the tournament, India will face England. Afghanistan's team has reached the semi-finals for the first time in the T20 World Cup. Whereas South Africa has reached the semi-finals twice before. However, both times they had to face defeat in the semi-finals.
Will South Africa reach the final for the first time?
South Africa is yet to play the final of the T20 World Cup. South Africa made it to the semi-finals of the 2009 and 2014 World Cups. In 2009, they were knocked out of the semi-finals by Pakistan. In the 2014 World Cup, India ended South Africa's journey in the semi-finals.
South Africa's performance in this World Cup
The South African team has remained undefeated in this World Cup so far. In the group stage, South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets, Netherlands by 4 wickets, Bangladesh by 4 runs and Nepal by 1 run. While in the Super-8, South Africa defeated America by 18 runs, England by 7 runs and West Indies by 3 wickets. South Africa would like to win the semi-finals and play the T20 World Cup final for the first time.
Afghanistan's performance in this World Cup
Afghanistan has also performed brilliantly in the current World Cup. In the group stage, Afghanistan defeated Uganda by 125 runs, New Zealand by 84 runs and Papua New Guinea by 7 wickets. While in the last match of the group stage, Afghanistan had to face defeat against West Indies by 104 runs. India defeated Afghanistan by 47 runs in the Super-8.
After this, Afghanistan made a comeback and entered the semi-finals by defeating Australia by 21 runs and Bangladesh by 8 runs. Afghanistan has made its intentions clear by defeating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh in this tournament. Afghanistan would like to enter the finals with the same momentum.
Who is stronger among the two teams?
Afghanistan and South Africa have clashed twice in the T20 World Cup so far. South Africa has won both times. Both teams clashed for the first time in the 2010 World Cup. In which South Africa won by 59 runs. After this, both teams faced each other in the 2016 World Cup. In which South Africa won by 37 runs.
Although South Africa looks strong in these statistics, Afghanistan's team was considered weak at that time. Today Afghanistan is capable of defeating any team. Afghanistan has proved this by defeating New Zealand, Australia and Bangladesh in this World Cup. In such a situation, South Africa will not try to take Afghanistan lightly at any cost.