Former South Africa pacer turned cricket commentator Dale Steyn couldn't more happier than witnessing the Proteas qualifying for the T20 World Cup 2024 Final with a comprehensive 9-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semifinal at the Brain Lara Stadium in Trinidad on Thursday, June 27.
After bundling out Afghanistan for 56, South Africa chased down a 57-run target in the ninth over of the second innings. Reeza Hendricks (29*) and skipper Aiden Markram (23*) formed an unbeaten 55-run stand for the second wicket to help the Proteas achieve the target.
In bowling, Tabraiz Shamsi (3/6) and Marco Jansen (3/16) combined picked six wickets, while Kagiso Rabada (2/14) and Anrich Nortje (2/7) took two scalps each to help South Africa dismiss Afghanistan for their lowest total in T20Is.
After South Africa's semifinal win against Afghanistan, Dale Steyn, who is part of the T20 World Cup 2024 commentary panel, went down to the ground and congratulated the players for their qualification to the final. In a video shared by Star Sports on its X handle (formerly Twitter), Steyn can been hugging Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi.
Interestingly, South Africa served a best birthday gift to Dale Steyn, who turned 41 on Thursday. As soon as South Africa sealed Final berth, Dale Steyn took his X handle (formerly Twitter) and wrote, "It’s emotional down here. We’re into a final."
Dale Steyn's former teammate AB de Villiers suggested that legendary South African pacer couldn't have asked for better birthday gift than Proteas qualifying for the title clash of the T20 World Cup 2024.
With a win over Afghanistan in semifinal, South Africa extended their unbeaten to eight matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. The Proteas won four consecutive matches against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Netherland and Nepal in Group D of the first round.
In Group 2 of the Super 8, South Africa registered their three consecutive wins against West Indies, USA and England. Aiden Markram-led side is the only team to qualify for the final without losing a match in first round, Super 8 and Semifinal of the tournament.
South Africa hope to end their World Cup title drought
South Africa will face the winner of the semifinal 2 between Team India and England in the title clash at the Kensington Oval in Brabados's Bridgetown on Saturday, June 29.
South Africa are touted as strong favourites to win the T20 World Cup this year as they have remained unbeaten in the tournament thus far. Making their World Cup debut in 1992, South Africa suffered heartbreaks in the major tournaments. Proteas reached semifinals of the 1992, 1999, 2007, 2015 and 2023 but failed to qualify for the Final.
In T20 World Cup, Proteas reached the semifinals twice in 2009 and 2014, but lost to Pakistan and India, respectively. This time, Aiden Markram-led side will leave no stone unturned to end their years of heartbreak in the World Cups.
