South Africa vs Afghanistan, 1st Semifinal, ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024

South Africa's hunt for a well-deserved berth in the final   

Betting Odds

Our Predictions

• Quinton de Kock has odds of 3.55 to be South Africa's best batsman 
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz has odds of 3.00 to be Afghanistan's best batsman
• Anrich Nortje has odds of 3.35 to be South Africa's best bowler 
• Rashid Khan has odds of 3.10 to be Afghanistan's best bowler

MATCH PREVIEW     

It is Semifinal No. 1 in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024, and we expect a close contest between South Africa and Afghanistan. It has been a picture-perfect show from South Africa, as they have won all their games and defeated West Indies in their last Super 8 game to book a berth in the semis. They enjoy a good record against Afghans and shall start the game with higher odds. Afghanistan won a nail-biting contest against Bangladesh in their last Super 8 game to reach the semis. Having come this far, the team will look to make it to the final. Both teams will face pressure with their maiden final appearance hanging in the balance, and we expect a thrilling contest.   

South Africa Preview      

With seven wins in a row, Aiden Markram's team has dominated opponents in this tournament. They overcame another obstacle in the last game, winning by 3 wickets against the hosts West Indies, and have improved their odds on cricket betting sites. They have played in the semifinal twice but never made it to the final. Markram and his men would look to correct the history books and build on their dream run.  

The side will need Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks, as both players have struggled with consistency. The middle order has won games, and the team needs the trio of Markram, Heinrich Klassen, and Tristan Stubbs to anchor the innings and score quick runs. They have good hitters in the lower middle order and expect big hitting from David Miller and Marco Jansen.  

The bowling attack is in good form, and the team will need Marco Jansen and Markram to put up a good show with the new ball. Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada will look to extract pace and bounce from the surface, as the Afghans aren't the best players of fast bowling. Tabraiz Shamsi and Keshav Maharaj form a strong spin combination and look to trouble batters with their variations.  

Expected Starting XI for South Africa     

Aiden Markram (c), Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj  

Afghanistan Preview      

The Afghans have lived a dream in this tournament and improved their standing on cricket betting apps. Rashid Khan's team won't want it to end in the semis. It has been an inspirational show from the team as they humbled Bangladesh by 8 runs in their last Super 8 game to book a game against South Africa. The players have punched above their weight in the tournament and have seen their odds soar on cricket betting apps. Khan will look to lead from the front and guide his team into the final.  

The side will expect a good start from Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, who have been the tournament's most successful opening pair. The middle order has delivered the goods in most games, and the side expects partnerships between Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, and Mohammad Nabi. Karim Janat, Rashid Khan, and Nangeyalia Kharote are good hitters and shall look to make contributions in the final overs.  

The Afghan bowling attack has made the team proud, defending low totals and troubling the opposition. Fazalhaq Farooqi has enjoyed a good run, and he will aim for early wickets, sharing the ball with Naveen-ul-Haq, who bowled a match-winning spell in the last game. Rashid Khan is the backbone of the attack and must do well in the middle overs with Mohammad Nabi. Gulbadin Naib and Noor Ahmed add depth to the attack, making it strong.  

Expected Starting XI for Afghanistan      

Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Nangeyalia Kharote, Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi 

TOSS: To Bat First      

We have seen sides win by chasing targets in this tournament in very few games. The wickets have become slower as the game has progressed, making run chases difficult. The side batting first will need 175 runs on the board to feel safe.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The weather forecast for Trinidad isn't encouraging, and we may see rain interrupting play. The wicket will be tricky to bat on in these conditions as the bowlers will have a lot from the surface. Batsmen must be watchful on this track, and the side batting first will be happy to have 170 runs on the board.  

OUR PREDICTION      

Afghanistan has done itself proud in the tournament with good performances. However, they have never defeated South Africa in any format and must play out of their skin to win this game. The side will need good performances from the top order to take them through to the final. South Africans have more firepower with the bat and a stronger fast-bowling attack. It will be a close contest, but the South Africans have an edge.  

Our prediction is for South Africa to win