South Africa's Pace Bowlers Overwhelm Afghanistan In T20 World Cup Semi-Final

South Africa's fast bowlers Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje were unstoppable on Wednesday night, as they dismantled Afghanistan for the lowest total in T20 World Cup semi-finals.

Jansen (3/16) and Rabada (2/14) tore through Afghanistan's top-order, leaving them at 28 for five within the Powerplay. Nortje (2/7) and Tabraiz Shamsi then cleaned up the lower order, ending Afghanistan's innings at 56 all out in just 11.5 overs.

• 55 - England vs West Indies - Dubai (2021)
• 56 - Afghanistan vs South Africa - Tarouba (2024)
• 60 - New Zealand vs Sri Lanka - Chattogram (2014)
• 70 - Bangladesh vs New Zealand - Kolkata (2016)
• 73 - Bangladesh vs Australia - Dubai (2021)

Choosing to bat first, Rashid Khan's team lost their key opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a duck in the first over to Jansen. Jansen also dismissed Gulbadin Naib (9 off 8 balls) and Nangeyalia Khan (2 off 7 balls).

Rabada quickly removed Ibrahim Zadran (2 off 5 balls) and Mohammad Nabi for a duck in the same over before Nortje and Shamsi took care of the remaining wickets.

Lowest Totals for Afghanistan in T20Is

• 56 vs South Africa - Tarouba (2024)
• 72 vs Bangladesh - Mirpur (2014)
• 80 vs South Africa - Bridgetown (2010)
• 80 vs England - Colombo (2012)

The highest scorer for Afghanistan was Azmatullah Omarzai with 10 runs off 12 balls, while extras contributed 13 runs. This total is not only Afghanistan's lowest in T20Is but also the second-lowest by a full member nation in T20 World Cup history.

In their chase, South Africa overcame an early loss of Quinton de Kock. Aiden Markram and Reeza Hendricks both scored unbeaten twenties to reach the target in just 8.5 overs.

This match marked Afghanistan's lowest score in T20Is, surpassing their previous low of 72 against Bangladesh in 2014. The performance highlighted South Africa's dominant bowling attack and strategic execution.

The game showcased how crucial early breakthroughs can be in T20 cricket, setting the tone for a comprehensive victory by South Africa.

This result will be remembered as one of the most dominant displays of fast bowling in T20 World Cup history.