South Africa defeated Afghanistan by nine wickets to reach the T20 Cricket World Cup final for the first time on Wednesday.
After skittling Afghanistan for 56 at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium, the Proteas cruised to their victory target of 60-1.
South Africa’s left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 6) and pacer Marco Jansen (3-16) led the destruction of a dubious Afghanistan batting line-up for 56 in 11.5 overs after they opted to bat.
With two wickets each, fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje kept up the continuous pressure.
On a pitch that helped all bowlers but left Afghanistan with too little to defend, South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early in response to Fazalhaq Farooqi’s tournament-leading 17th wicket.
However, Reeza Hendricks (29 not out) and captain Aiden Markram (23 not out) led South Africa to victory at 60 for one in 8.5 overs.
The Proteas will meet the winners of Thursday’s second semi-final between title holders England and unbeaten India in Guyana in the final on Saturday in Barbados.
