TAROUBA, Trinidad and Tobago: South Africa thrashed Afghanistan by nine wickets to reach the final of the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time on Wednesday.
After skittling Afghanistan for 56 at Trinidad’s Brian Lara Stadium, the Proteas cruised to their victory target, finishing on 60-1.
South Africa’s left-arm wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3 for 6) and pacer Marco Jansen (3-16) spearheaded the demolition of a suspect Afghanistan batting line-up for just 56 off 11.5 overs after they chose to bat.
Fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje maintained the relentless pressure with two wickets apiece.
On a surface which encouraged all bowlers but left Afghanistan with too little to defend, South Africa lost Quinton de Kock early in reply for Fazalhaq Farooqi’s tournament-leading 17th wicket.
But Reeza Hendricks (29 not out) and captain Aiden Markram (23 not out) saw South Africa to victory at 60 for one off 8.5 overs.
The Proteas advance to Saturday’s showpiece occasion in Barbados where they will face the winners of Thursday’s second semifinal between title-holders England and unbeaten India in Guyana.
South Africa thrash Afghanistan by nine wickets to reach T20 World Cup final
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South Africa thrash Afghanistan by nine wickets to reach T20 World Cup final
- After skittling Afghanistan for 56, the Proteas cruised to their victory target, finishing on 60-1
- South Africa will face the winners of Thursday’s second semifinal between England and India
King Fahd Stadium to host 2027 Asian Cup final
- Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece
KUALA LUMPUR: Riyadh’s King Fahd Sport City Stadium will host the opening and closing matches of next year’s Asian Cup, officials announced Monday, the football showpiece seen as a precursor for the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia was awarded the World Cup but first will host the Asian Cup from Jan. 7 to Feb. 5, 2027.
“The King Fahd Sports City Stadium ... will provide the backdrop for both the eagerly anticipated final as well as the opening match, featuring hosts and three-time Asian champions Saudi Arabia,” the AFC said in a statement in Kuala Lumpur.
The 70,000-plus venue in Riyadh will also host four group stage battles, a round of 16 tie and a quarterfinal match before the final in early February, the AFC added.
Popularly known as “The Tent” because of its roof, inspired by a traditional Bedouin dwelling, the stadium is the largest of the eight venues hosting the soccer showpiece.
Asian Cup matches will also be played in Jeddah and Alkhobar.
Match pairings and kickoff times will be confirmed at the AFC’s final draw on April 11 in Riyadh, the AFC said.
Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, staged and won the Asian Cup two years ago.
The tournament was supposed to take place in China in 2023, but was moved out of the country because of the country’s COVID policies at the time.
