South African gamers have fun their win over Afghanistan within the first ICC Twenty20 world cup 2024 semifinal, on June 26, 2024.
| Photo Credit: AP/PTI
After guiding South Africa to their maiden T20 World Cup remaining, skipper Aiden Markram urged his gamers to keep calm and never to be “scared” of the title conflict.
South Africa demolished Afghanistan by 9 wickets within the first semifinal and now await the winners of the second last-four conflict between India and England.
“It is one more step for us, it (the final) is an opportunity we have never had, nothing to be scared of,” stated Markram within the post-match presentation ceremony.
“This win means a lot. We have some world-class players in the side but like I said, it takes a whole squad to be able to deliver such a performance.” Markram lauded his bowlers for bowling out Afghanistan for a lowly 56.
“We have been sensible with the ball, received it in the appropriate areas and stored it actually easy. The bowlers have been unimaginable for us.” Markram said the batting was a bit challenging on the pitch that offered pronounced seam movement.
“It was difficult with the bat, as no batter goes to lie and let you know it was straightforward on the market. We had a little bit of luck after which received a little bit of a partnership.” The 29-year-old stated the entire group was relieved after closing out the match simply.
“We have had a few close games and a few people back home would have woken up early with more grey hairs. Glad today was a bit more comforting,” he added.
Player of the match Marco Jansen, who picked up three early wickets, stated they have been specializing in conserving the ball in the appropriate areas.
“Awesome feeling. The guys played really well, we executed perfectly. We just wanted to stick to our plan, bowl good lengths and see how the wicket reacts.
“The wicket was getting a bit open, and it was about keeping it simple.”
Tough for us: Rashid Khan
Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan didn’t disguise his disappointment after happening to South Africa in a one-sided semifinal.
“It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn’t allow us to do what we wanted. That’s how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions,” a dejected Rashid stated.
However, the spinner believes his aspect, which reached its maiden semifinals, has realized so much from this event.
“It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side. We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us.
“What we take from the competitors is the assumption. We know we have now the talents, it’s nearly managing robust and stress conditions,” he famous.
So, is there any space he can consider bettering as a group? “Yes, some work to be completed, particularly within the center order to take the innings deep. We have achieved good outcomes to this point however we come again doing extra arduous work, particularly within the batting division.” Rashid credited South African pacers for sticking to their weapons in a stellar vogue.
“I think they bowled really well. I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well. You need good starts (when bowlers are on top).” The 25-year-old stated the Afghan bowlers too did simply wonderful all through the occasion.
“I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury, but our seamers and even (Mohammad) Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners.
We will accept playing a semifinal and losing to a top side like South Africa,” he added.