The T20 World Cup 2024 is approaching its thrilling conclusion, having started with 20 teams and now down to the final four. The semi-final matches, scheduled for June 27 in the West Indies, will see England face India and Afghanistan compete against South Africa.
England and South Africa were the first to secure their semi-final spots, with India joining them on Monday after a decisive victory over Australia. The Men in Blue triumphed by 24 runs, showcasing their prowess and determination. This win propelled them into the semi-finals, much to the delight of their fans.
The final spot was claimed by Afghanistan in a historic fashion. On Tuesday, Afghanistan defeated Bangladesh by 8 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in the final Super 8 match. This victory marked the first time Afghanistan has ever reached the semi-finals of a World Cup, a significant milestone for the Rashid Khan-led team.
The match against Bangladesh was a roller-coaster, heavily influenced by weather interruptions. Bangladesh, chasing a revised target of 114 in 19 overs due to rain, were bowled out for 105 in 17.5 overs. Litton Das stood out for Bangladesh, remaining unbeaten with 54 runs off 49 balls, but he lacked support from his teammates. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Naveen-ul-Haq, was instrumental in their victory. Both bowlers took four wickets each, dismantling Bangladesh’s batting lineup and securing a place in the semi-finals for Afghanistan.
This match was not just about cricket but also about dramatic scenarios. As the chase began, three teams—Australia, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh—were still vying for a semi-final spot. Bangladesh needed to chase 115 in 12.4 overs to qualify, Australia needed a Bangladesh victory after 12.4 overs, and Afghanistan simply needed to win. These conditions added immense pressure and excitement, ultimately seeing Afghanistan prevail.
With the semi-final line-up set, here’s a closer look at the schedule:
Semi-final 1 — June 27, 5:30 AM (PST): South Africa vs Afghanistan
The first semi-final will take place at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad and Tobago. South Africa, known for their consistent performance and strong squad, will face Afghanistan, the tournament’s dark horse. Afghanistan’s journey to the semi-finals has been inspirational, with their team spirit and bowling strength coming to the fore. South Africa will have to bring their A-game to counter Afghanistan’s enthusiasm and skill, particularly in the bowling department led by Rashid Khan.
Semi-final 2 — June 27, 7:30 PM (PST): India vs England
The second semi-final will be held at the Providence Stadium in Georgetown, Guyana. India and England, both cricketing powerhouses, will clash in what promises to be an intense battle. India’s solid performance throughout the tournament, highlighted by their win over Australia, makes them strong contenders. England, on the other hand, have showcased their depth and resilience, making this match a must-watch for cricket fans worldwide.
As the T20 World Cup 2024 nears its climax, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. The semi-finals not only feature teams with rich cricketing histories but also highlight emerging talents and underdog stories, particularly Afghanistan’s remarkable ascent. The matches are set to captivate audiences with high stakes and top-tier cricket, paving the way for what promises to be an unforgettable conclusion to the tournament.
The upcoming semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 are set to deliver thrilling cricket action, with South Africa facing Afghanistan and India competing against England. These matches will not only determine the finalists but also celebrate the spirit of the game, showcasing both established prowess and emerging talent on the global stage.
