Cricket

South Africa's captain, Laura Wolvaardt, has expressed concerns about the spin-friendly conditions they anticipate for the upcoming one-off Test against India, beginning on Friday."We've been facing a lot of spin in the nets, preparing for a spin-friendly wicket," Wolvaardt said. "India has a significant home ground advantage, and winning a Test in India is extremely challenging."The South African team has been practicing extensively against spin bowlers in the nets, with opener Tazmin Brits facing only spin during her recent net session. Brits was observed going down the pitch and even playing a reverse-sweep.Wolvaardt emphasized the threat posed by India's spinners, particularly as the match progresses. "Their spinners will be our biggest challenge, especially as the match goes on," she said. "During yesterday's net session, the ball was staying low and turning quite a bit."South Africa recognizes the importance of adapting to the conditions and countering India's spin attack. "We've been facing a lot of spin in the nets the last few days," Wolvaardt said. "I think that'll probably be the biggest threat — their spinners."The South African team is aware of the challenges they face in India, but they remain determined to perform well. "I think this Test will be a huge challenge for us," Wolvaardt said. "Hopefully, we're able to adapt to the conditions well."

Afghanistan's historic journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 culminated in a bittersweet semi-final defeat to South Africa. Despite securing their maiden semi-final berth, the Afghan team expressed disappointment and a determination to improve.Head coach Jonathan Trott acknowledged the challenges of playing back-to-back matches with limited rest, but emphasized that it was not an excuse for their performance. He praised the team's resilience and fighting spirit throughout the tournament, but admitted that they were outplayed in the semi-final.Trott highlighted the need for the batters to learn from the experience and develop strategies for playing on difficult pitches against strong bowling attacks. He emphasized that the team's overall achievement should not be overshadowed by the semi-final defeat, but that it should serve as a catalyst for improvement.The Afghan players expressed a sense of hurt and disappointment after the loss. They acknowledged the sacrifices made by the entire team and felt that they had not given a good account of themselves. However, they remained proud of their accomplishments and vowed to work on their weaknesses.Trott emphasized the importance of identifying reliable batters who can consistently deliver in pressure situations. He expressed confidence that the team could become more competitive in the future by addressing these areas of improvement.

South Africa's T20 World Cup triumph marks a watershed moment in their cricketing history, shedding the long-held tag of "chokers" that has haunted them in major tournaments.For decades, the Proteas have endured a string of heartbreaking defeats in knockout matches, leaving a trail of disappointment and shattered dreams. From the rain-affected 1992 ODI World Cup semifinal to the agonizing tie in the 1999 edition, South Africa's inability to perform under pressure became a recurring theme.The 2007 ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia was particularly devastating, as a star-studded South African lineup was dismissed for a paltry 149. The 2011 ODI World Cup quarterfinal against New Zealand and the 2013 Champions Trophy semifinal against England further cemented their reputation as underachievers.However, the current Proteas team, led by Temba Bavuma, has broken the cycle of disappointment. Their unbeaten run to the T20 World Cup final in Trinidad is a testament to their resilience and determination.The victory over Afghanistan in the semifinals was a cathartic moment for South African cricket. It erased years of heartache and proved that the Proteas could overcome their past demons.The key to South Africa's success in this tournament has been their collective spirit and unwavering belief. They have played as a unit, with each player contributing to the team's success.Quinton de Kock's explosive batting, Aiden Markram's consistency, and David Miller's finishing prowess have been crucial. The bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, has been equally impressive, providing the necessary control and wickets.South Africa's triumph is a reminder that even the most persistent failures can be overcome with hard work, determination, and a belief in oneself. It is a victory not only for the current team but for all South African cricket fans who have endured years of disappointment.

South Africa's maiden T20 World Cup final appearance is within reach after their emphatic nine-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the first semifinal. Skipper Aiden Markram urged his team to remain composed and fearless ahead of the title clash.Markram hailed his bowlers for restricting Afghanistan to a paltry 56 runs. "We were brilliant with the ball, got it in the right areas and kept it really simple," he said. "The bowlers have been incredible for us."The batting, however, faced some challenges on a pitch offering pronounced seam movement. "It was challenging with the bat, as no batter is going to lie and tell you it was easy out there," Markram admitted. "We had a bit of luck and then got a bit of a partnership."Markram expressed relief at the comfortable victory. "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 claimed three early wickets, emphasized their focus on accuracy. "Awesome feeling. The guys played really well, we executed perfectly," he said. "We just wanted to stick to our plan, bowl good lengths and see how the wicket reacts."Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan expressed disappointment but acknowledged the team's progress. "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," he said. "That's how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions."Khan believes the tournament has been a valuable learning experience for his side. "It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side," he said. "We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us."

The highly anticipated first semi-final of the 2024 T20 World Cup between South Africa and Afghanistan commenced with a thrilling start. Afghanistan, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a fresh pitch that promised both spin and seam.South Africa's Marco Jansen struck early, dismissing the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over. However, Gulbadin Naib responded with a crisp boundary off Jansen, followed by a four off Keshav Maharaj. Ibrahim Zadran also contributed with a boundary, giving Afghanistan a solid start.Maharaj, introduced into the attack, bowled with accuracy, keeping the Afghan batters in check. Naib, however, continued to impress, pulling a boundary through mid-on. Zadran also showed his class, lofting Maharaj over mid-on for another four.As the innings progressed, Afghanistan's middle order struggled to find momentum. Azmatullah Omarzai and Mohammad Nabi were dismissed cheaply, leaving the onus on the lower order. Karim Janat and Rashid Khan provided some resistance, but South Africa's bowlers maintained their discipline.In the end, Afghanistan managed to post a respectable total of 144/8, with Naib top-scoring with 35 runs. Jansen was the pick of the South African bowlers, claiming 3/25, while Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with two wickets each.South Africa, in response, will be confident of chasing down the target, given their impressive batting lineup. However, Afghanistan's spinners, led by Rashid Khan, will pose a significant threat. The match promises to be a close and exciting contest, with both teams eager to secure a place in the final.

South Africa and Afghanistan Set for Thrilling Semi-Final Clash in ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024The highly anticipated Semi-Final 1 of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 will witness a captivating encounter between South Africa and Afghanistan at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad and Tobago.South Africa, fresh off a thrilling three-wicket victory over West Indies, will be eager to continue their impressive run in the tournament. Their top fantasy performer, Tabraiz Shamsi, with 85 fantasy points, will be a key player to watch.Afghanistan, on the other hand, will be brimming with confidence after their eight-run victory over Bangladesh. Rashid Khan, who amassed 157 fantasy points in their previous match, will be the one to lead their charge.Pitch Report and Weather ConditionsThe pitch at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy is known for its balance, with an average 1st innings score of 117 runs in the last 20 matches. The team winning the toss may opt to bowl first, as the majority of games played on this ground have been won by the chasing side.The weather forecast predicts a temperature of around 23.56 degrees Celsius, with high humidity and winds at a speed of 1.89 m/s.Head-to-HeadIn the two previous encounters between these teams, South Africa has emerged victorious on both occasions. Protea wicket-keepers have been the most prolific fantasy point earners for their team, while all-rounders have been the top performers for Afghanistan.Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-Captain PicksFazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan): With an average of 61 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 9.3, Farooqi is a valuable asset for any fantasy team. His impressive economy rate of 6.38 and 16 wickets in the last seven matches make him a formidable choice.Quinton de Kock (South Africa): De Kock, with an average of 48 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 7.8, is a reliable fantasy pick. His left-handed batting prowess and strike rate of 148.50 in the recent seven matches make him a potential game-changer.Naveen-ul-Haq (Afghanistan): Naveen-ul-Haq, with an average of 60 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 9, is a consistent performer. His 13 wickets in the last seven matches at an economy rate of 6.12 make him a valuable bowling option.Tristan Stubbs (South Africa): Stubbs, with an average of 41 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 7.7, is an explosive batter. His 134 runs in the recent seven matches at an average of 33.50 make him a potential match-winner.Rashid Khan (Afghanistan): Khan, with an average of 75 match fantasy points and a fantasy rating of 8.2, is a spin wizard. His 14 wickets in the last seven matches at an economy rate of 6.10 make him a must-have for any fantasy team.SA vs AFG Possible Playing XIsSouth Africa (SA): Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, Marco JansenAfghanistan (AFG): Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Noor Ahmad, Nangeyalia Kharote, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad NabiSA vs AFG Fantasy TeamWicket-Keeper: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quinton de KockBatters: Ibrahim Zadran, Tristan StubbsAll-Rounders: Marco Jansen, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad NabiBowlers: Fazalhaq Farooqi, Naveen-ul-Haq, Rashid Khan, Keshav MaharajCaptain: Fazalhaq FarooqiVice-Captain: Quinton de Kock

Afghanistan's historic journey to the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals has been a testament to their unwavering determination and remarkable progress in the shortest format of the game. Led by the charismatic Rashid Khan, the Afghan team has overcome formidable challenges and emerged as a force to be reckoned with.Their path to the semifinals has been marked by impressive victories over top-ranked teams like New Zealand and former world champions Australia. In the group stage, Afghanistan showcased their resilience and adaptability, bouncing back from a disappointing loss to the West Indies with a series of convincing wins.As they prepare to face South Africa in the semifinals, the Afghan team is brimming with confidence and eager to make history. Rashid Khan, in a heartfelt message to his supporters, urged them to rally behind the team as they embark on this momentous occasion.Afghanistan's journey to the semifinals has been a source of inspiration for cricket fans around the world. Their success is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief in one's abilities. The team's unwavering spirit and determination have made them a symbol of hope and resilience for their nation.The semifinal match against South Africa promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams possessing the talent and experience to reach the final. Afghanistan will rely on their spin-bowling prowess, led by Rashid Khan, while South Africa will look to their explosive batting lineup to secure victory.Regardless of the outcome, Afghanistan's performance in the T20 World Cup has been a resounding success. They have proven that they belong among the elite teams in the world and have set a new benchmark for their cricketing future.

The T20 World Cup semi-finals are set, with India and England facing off in a rematch of last year's final, while South Africa takes on Afghanistan in the other match.Afghanistan will make their T20 World Cup semi-finals debut in the first semi-final in Trinidad, which begins at 6 AM IST on Thursday. India's match against England will be played from 8 PM IST in Guyana, also on Thursday.There are different rules for the semi-finals and finals. While there is a reserve day in place for the first semi-final between South Africa and Afghanistan, the same is not the case for the India-England humdinger.This is because India's semi-final was pre-decided to be played in Guyana, which has no reserve day. However, it has an extra 250 minutes scheduled if needed since it is a day game as per local time.If the India vs England semi-final is washed out, India will advance to the final by virtue of their higher group standing. The same is the case with the other semi-final, with South Africa advancing if no play is possible.In case of a rain interruption on the day's play, there won't be a fresh start on the rain reserve day. For the first semi-final, there's an extra 60 minutes at the end of the day's play and a further 190 minutes on the reserve day.

Afghanistan's lack of historical baggage gives them an edge over South Africa in the T20 World Cup semi-final, believes coach Jonathan Trott.Afghanistan, making their first-ever appearance in the last four of any World Cup, stand in stark contrast to South Africa, who have a long history of near misses and disappointments in major tournaments.Trott believes that Afghanistan's lack of past scars makes them a dangerous and unpredictable opponent. "We go into the semi-final with no scarring or no history with regards to semi-finals. This is uncharted territory for us," Trott said.He added that the Afghan team has no "preconceived ideas on it all, or history of failure or success in semi-finals in past years." This lack of historical burden is perceived as a significant advantage.According to Trott, this position frees the team to approach the game with nothing to lose, contrasting with the high pressure on South Africa.South Africa has had the upper hand in their meetings with Afghanistan in T20Is, with victories in their two past matches in the 2010 T20 World Cup in Barbados and in Mumbai six years later.However, South Africa's path through the current World Cup has not been without drama. Despite winning all seven of their games, they have faced near-embarrassments against the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Their Super Eights victory over defending champions England by a narrow seven-run margin also added to their tense moments.On the other side, Afghanistan's journey included a defeat by India but was followed by a landmark victory over Australia and a tight eight-run win against Bangladesh that secured their semi-final spot.Trott described the experience of leading Afghanistan to the semi-finals as "surreal." He has developed a strong bond with the team since taking over as coach in July 2022. This relationship was evident when, after the rain-affected win against Bangladesh, Trott was carried off the field on his players' shoulders."When I took over, I was astounded by the talent that I saw," Trott said. He acknowledged the raw talent within the team and has aimed to add structure without limiting the players' natural abilities."I've just tried to add here and there. At no stage have I tried to clip anybody's wings. I'm just trying to make the bow of the arrow even stronger so that they can go for longer, win more games, and shoot for the stars even further away," Trott remarked.As the semi-final approaches, Trott's approach and the team's fresh mindset leave Afghanistan positioned as a formidable contender against the more historically burdened South Africa.