T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa Vs Afghanistan Semi-Final Clash Preview

South Africa and Afghanistan will face off in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday, June 26. Both teams are vying for their first ICC title.

South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, have had an unbeaten run in the tournament. They recently secured a thrilling 3-wicket win over West Indies in the Super Eight stage to confirm their place in the semi-finals.

Afghanistan, captained by Rashid Khan, bounced back from a loss to India with a stunning 21-run victory over Australia. They followed this with an impressive 8-run (DLS method) win against Bangladesh to reach their first-ever semi-final.

In T20 Internationals, South Africa and Afghanistan have faced each other twice. South Africa has won both encounters during previous T20 World Cups. In 2010, they defended a total of 139 by bowling out Afghanistan for 80. In another match, they defended 209 by dismissing Afghanistan for 172.

The upcoming match will be their first meeting in Tarouba. The Brian Lara Stadium has hosted several matches in this T20 World Cup. Here is a look at the venue's overall record:

• Matches: 8
• Batting first won: 4
• Batting second won: 4
• Average first innings total: 138
• Highest Total: 267/3 by England vs West Indies in 2023
• Lowest Total: 40 All Out by Uganda vs New Zealand in 2024
• Highest Successful Chase: 133/6 in 20 overs by West Indies vs England in 2023
• Lowest Total Defended: 149/9 by West Indies vs New Zealand in 2024 | 149/6 by West Indies vs India in 2023
• Highest Individual Score: Phil Salt (England) – 119 off 57 balls vs West Indies in 2023
• Best Bowling Innings: Alzarri Joseph (West Indies) – 4 for 19 in 4 overs vs New Zealand in 2024
• Total Sixes: 94 sixes
• Total Fours: 143 fours
• Total Hundreds: 1 hundred
• Total Fifties: 5 fifties

A Look at South Africa and Afghanistan's Record in Tarouba

The Proteas have never played at the Brian Lara Stadium before. However, Afghanistan has some experience at this venue. Earlier in the tournament, Rashid Khan's team defeated Papua New Guinea by seven wickets after chasing down a target of just 97 runs.

The two teams have had contrasting journeys so far. Afghanistan started strong with wins over Uganda, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand but lost to West Indies and India. They managed to secure crucial victories to make it to the last four.

The Proteas have remained undefeated but have had close matches against Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh, Nepal, USA, England, and West Indies to reach the semi-finals.

This semi-final clash promises to be an exciting contest as both teams aim for their maiden ICC title. The match will test South Africa's unbeaten streak against an upbeat Afghan side.