South Africa’s Triumph: World Cup Final Qualification After 32 Years

Credit – Aaj Tak

Today marks a monumental day in South African cricket as the Proteas have clinched a spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 finals. This remarkable achievement represents their first-ever appearance in a World Cup Final across any format.

The journey of South Africa in World Cup cricket has been fraught with difficulties. In 1970, the ICC imposed a 20-year ban on South Africa from international cricket. Upon their return to the world stage in the 1992 World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, the Proteas were eliminated in the semi-finals due to a rain-affected match. Over the years, they repeatedly fell short in crucial World Cup matches, earning the unfortunate reputation of “chokers.” Despite having legendary players like Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Gary Kirsten, Shaun Pollock, and AB de Villiers, South Africa never progressed past the semi-finals on the global stage.

However, the 2024 T20 World Cup has changed their fortunes. In the semi-final, they faced Afghanistan, a match anticipated to be highly competitive given Afghanistan’s recent form. Instead, it turned into a one-sided affair, with the Proteas dominating from the outset.

In Trinidad, Afghan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bat first. The South African pacers posed a formidable challenge on a tricky pitch, and the Afghan batters struggled, collapsing for just 56 runs in 12 overs. Marco Jansen spearheaded the bowling attack, taking three early wickets and setting the tone. Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, and Tabraiz Shamsi supported Jansen by claiming the remaining wickets. Azmatullah Omarzai was the only Afghan batsman to reach double figures, scoring 10 runs. This total was the lowest ever in an ICC semi-final.

Credit – Business Standard

Chasing 56 would never be a significant challenge for the Proteas, who easily reached the target in the 9th over. Marco Jansen’s exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match award. Despite Afghanistan’s impressive overall performance in this World Cup, this heavy defeat may revive doubts about their consistency and raise questions about whether their qualification was a fluke.

Credit – Cricket.com

Aiden Markram, who in 2014 became the first South African captain to win the Under-19 World Cup, has now become the first to lead the senior team to a World Cup final. Markram’s leadership is carving out a remarkable legacy. Not only has he proven his leadership skills on the international stage, but he has also been equally impressive in domestic cricket. Under his captaincy, the Sunrisers Eastern Cape have clinched the SA 20 League title for the past two seasons. With his consistent success both domestically and internationally, it is evident that South African cricket is in very capable hands under Markram’s guidance.

Credit – Sunday Observer

South Africa will face either India or England in the Final on June 29th in Barbados. Given their current form and the brand of cricket they have displayed, the Proteas are poised to make anything possible in this final showdown.