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Marco Janson, pix: x

Xtra Time Web Desk: For the first time in men’s T20 World Cup history, a team has been bowled out for less than 100 runs in a semifinal, and the credit goed to the fierce South African bowling attack led by Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi. Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi starred with three wickets each, dismantling Afghanistan's top order. Kagiso Rabada's double-wicket maiden compounded Afghanistan's woes as they were bundled out for their lowest-ever T20 World Cup score at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

In a sheer display of dominance, South Africa bundled Afghanistan out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs in the T20 World Cup 2024 semifinal 1. The first innings began with a bang as Marco Jansen removed Rahmanullah Gurbaz for a three-ball duck in the opening over. Jansen struck again in the third over, dismissing Gulbadin Naib (9). Kagiso Rabada then claimed two wickets in the fourth over, taking out Ibrahim Zadran (2) and Mohammad Nabi (0). Jansen secured his third wicket in the fifth over, removing Nangeyalia Kharote (2). Anrich Nortje joined the onslaught, taking Azmatullah Omarzai (10) out.

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Tabraiz Shamsi wrapped up the innings for South Africa, claiming the wickets of Karim Janat (8), Noor Ahmad (0), and Naveen-ul-Haq (2). Meanwhile, Nortje also bagged the wicket of Rashid Khan (8), setting Afghanistan a target of just 57 runs.

Afghanistan's batting lineup struggled against South Africa's relentless pace and unpredictable bounce. The innings began to crumble early with Rahmanullah Gurbaz's dismissal, triggering a rapid succession of wickets. Failing to adjust to the challenging conditions, Afghanistan faltered severely. By the end of the Powerplay, half of their team was back in the pavilion with only 28 runs on the board. Despite Rashid Khan's attempt to counterattack, the Afghan batsmen struggled to read the lengths, leading to further dismissals. 

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Ultimately, Afghanistan capitulated for a meager 56 runs. This total marks Afghanistan’s lowest T20I score and the lowest total by any team against South Africa.