JOHANNESBURG: South Africa came alive in the early hours of this morning as all eyes were fixed on Trinidad and Tobago for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final showdown between the Proteas and Afghanistan.
To date, the Proteas had lost seven previous World Cup semi-finals across both 20-over and 50-over cricket formats, but they hoped to change that, as they aimed for victory.
South Africa, under the leadership of Proteas Men’s Captain Aiden Markram, maintained an undefeated record throughout the tournament, while facing challenging matches and securing narrow victories against Nepal, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and England. Their win over West Indies in the Super Eight stage came with just five balls to spare.
However, the Proteas knew when to show up and deliver match winning results. They displayed artistic prowess and made history by defeating Afghanistan by nine wickets, securing their place in their first-ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final.
“This team has been together for a long time now as a white-ball group in both formats, and it’s nice for us to get to a final together. We feel relieved that we can compete with the best in the world, and that we can win trophies, and it’s nice to have that opportunity and make it into a World Cup final.
“It’s a personal and individual motivation to get to a final, to earn the opportunity and to hopefully win the trophy, but we all understand this game and how it works – things can go for you and things can go against you and you take that in your stride.
“A few things went our way, we managed to win the game and we found ourselves in a final. It’s a good feeling, it’s a pleasing feeling, but more importantly the group of guys in the changing room; I am extremely happy for all of them. It’s not just the 11 playing, it’s a massive squad effort.”
CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe shared his sentiments; “Watching the Proteas progress through the World Cup stages has been nothing short of inspirational. Seeing them display our new brand of cricket, informed by the playing DNA we have adopted is testament that our strategy is showing early success. We are immensely proud and eagerly await the final showdown.”
CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said; “Congratulations to the Proteas on reaching the World Cup final. This achievement means a great deal to the squad, to CSA, and to all who have walked this World Cup journey with us.
“The whole of South Africa is rallying behind the Proteas. Reaching the final of the T20 World Cup is a tremendous achievement in itself and should be celebrated. We urge all South Africans to come out in their numbers and support the Proteas in the final this weekend!”
The second semi-final is scheduled for 27 June in Guyana, featuring India against England, to determine who will face South Africa in the final on 29 June.
The Proteas will return to South Africa on Wednesday 3 July and are expected to receive a heroes welcome at OR Tambo International Airport from cricketing fans from all around the country.
Further details will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.
Source: cricket.co.za
Graeme Smith: South African former cricketer Graeme Smith was once nicknamed Biff for often smashing the leather off the cricket balls. At 22, he was the youngest captain of his national cricket team. He was also known for his legendary opening partnerships with Herschelle Gibbs. Post-retirement, he works as a commentator.
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