Cricket

South Africa's remarkable journey in the T20 World Cup 2024 continues as they overcame a rain-interrupted match and a tricky target to secure a spot in the semi-finals. After a streak of six consecutive victories, the Proteas have proven their resilience and determination to break their ICC trophy drought.The match against co-hosts West Indies was a testament to South Africa's newfound tenacity. Despite losing the toss and being put into bat, the Proteas bowlers, led by their spinners, kept the West Indies batsmen in check. Aiden Markram, the captain, surprised everyone by opening the bowling with spin, a tactic that paid off handsomely.Markram and Marco Jansen combined for 5 for 79 in 12 overs, restricting West Indies to a modest total of 135 for 8. Only Kyle Mayers and Roston Chase managed to score significant runs, with an 81-run partnership that kept the Windies in the game.The rain delay, which reduced the target to 123, added another layer of drama to the match. South Africa's chase got off to a shaky start, losing Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks early on. However, Heinrich Klaasen stepped up with a crucial knock, hitting four consecutive fours off Gudakesh Motie to break the back of the chase.Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, South Africa remained composed. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen played key roles in the final overs, guiding the Proteas to a three-wicket victory via the DLS method.South Africa's success in this tournament has been built on a newfound belief and a willingness to fight until the end. They have overcome adversity and found ways to win close matches, a trait that has been lacking in previous South African teams.As they prepare for the semi-finals, the Proteas will be confident in their ability to challenge for the title. They have shown that they can adapt to different conditions and overcome pressure, making them a formidable opponent for any team.