South Africa secured a spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 semifinals by defeating West Indies in a rain-shortened Super Eights match in Antigua. The Proteas were able to keep their composure under pressure and chased down the DLS-adjusted target with three wickets in hand and five balls to spare. They had won the toss and opted to bowl first, limiting West Indies to 135-8 in 20 overs, with Tabraiz Shamsi taking three key wickets.
After a rain delay, South Africa’s chase was revised to 123 from 17 overs. Aiden Markram and Tristan Stubbs seemed to have the chase under control until Markram was dismissed, putting pressure on the rest of the team. Despite a spirited effort from the West Indies bowlers to break partnerships, one costly over from Gudakesh Motie swung the game back in South Africa’s favor. In the end, Marco Jansen sealed the victory with a six, much to the delight of the Proteas camp.
Shamsi, who was awarded player of the match for his impactful performance with the ball, expressed that there was no pressure on the team during the tense moments of the match. He highlighted the calm demeanor of the players in the dugout even when faced with tricky situations. Captain Markram acknowledged the relief felt in the South African camp for reaching their first T20 World Cup semifinal in a decade and emphasized the importance of putting on their best game in the upcoming match.
South Africa progressed to the semifinals as Group 2 winners and are now set to face the second-placed team from Group 1. The victory against West Indies showcased the team’s ability to handle pressure and chase down targets effectively. The win was a significant moment for South Africa, who have a history of faltering in the latter stages of world cup tournaments. The players’ calm approach and determination proved crucial in securing their spot in the next round. Now, the Proteas will focus on preparing for the semifinal clash and aim to deliver their best performance to advance to the final.
