South Africa vs Afghanistan Match Prediction: Who will win today's 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal match?
Is this South Africa's year? It's a question that has been asked a lot over the years, and the answer has been the same each time. But in the 2024 T20 World Cup, the Proteas have managed to defy the weight of history to hold their nerve in crunch moments.
That isn't necessarily a good thing, for it means that South Africa have had to endure a number of close shaves. But Aiden Markram and his men will no doubt take heart from the fact that they are still unbeaten in the competition and are only two wins away from clinching some long-awaited silverware.
Standing opposite them are a surprise package in the form of Afghanistan. South Africa would've been gearing up to face Australia, but Rashid Khan and Co. toppled the Kangaroos before getting over the line against Bangladesh to write T20 World Cup history.
Mohammad Nabi, who has beaten every team he has faced in international cricket except South Africa and India, will be licking his lips at the chance to take his country further in the tournament and tick off another box. Afghanistan, for all that they have gone through over the years, will be behind their men in full force.
Can South Africa continue to perform well under pressure and make their maiden T20 World Cup final? Or will Afghanistan write another chapter in their memorable book of victories?
2024 T20 World Cup: South Africa to break their hoodoo?
Reeza Hendricks is woefully out of form at the top of the order, and while South Africa have the option of bringing in Ryan Rickelton, they might not want to make that change late in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq, who have been rampant in the powerplay, could enjoy bowling to Hendricks.
It's not just the opener, though. Even captain Markram has been a shadow of himself in the tournament, and the Proteas have been carried by the explosive Quinton de Kock up top. Although that won't bother them too much, with the middle order boasting immense firepower and experience, South Africa need to be careful against the likes of Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad.
However, Afghanistan have clear concerns in the middle order. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have put the team on their back so far, but things won't be easy against Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. The South African spinners might also enjoy conditions in Trinidad, putting immense pressure on a misfiring batting lineup to deliver.
That might prove to be the stumbling block for Afghanistan. Their bowling is top quality, but the batting unit, especially the middle order, just hasn't inspired enough confidence so far. They've also been distinctly poor while chasing targets.
Afghanistan are a terrific team who are certainly in with a shot, but South Africa will enter the contest as the marginal favorites.
Prediction: South Africa to win SF1 of 2024 T20 World Cup.