Match Details
- Teams: Afghanistan vs South Africa
- Venue: Tarouba
- Time: 8.30 pm local time
Overview: Afghanistan's Historic Run
Afghanistan's cricket journey began in 2004 with their participation in the Asian Cricket Council Trophy, a tournament featuring 15 teams. Fast-forward twenty years and Afghanistan has achieved the remarkable feat of reaching their first World Cup semi-final in the largest World Cup to date, featuring 20 teams.
In just two decades, Afghanistan has accomplished what many teams take half a century to achieve. Their journey has been fuelled by raw talent, which has now been honed with elite skills and global T20 exposure. Led by captain and premier spinner Rashid Khan, one of the most sought-after T20 players worldwide, Afghanistan has developed into a formidable team. Their second spinner, Noor Ahmad, mirrors Rashid's prowess with his left-arm deliveries, while opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz poses a significant threat in the power play. Fazalhaq Farooqi is emerging as a potential T20 star similar to Trent Boult, and Naveen-ul-Haq has impressed under the mentorship of bowling consultant and T20 legend Dwayne Bravo.
Eight members of Afghanistan's squad, which defeated Bangladesh in Kingstown on Monday, have participated in the IPL 2024. Veteran Mohammad Nabi, who played in Afghanistan's first official match in 2004, continues to be a key player. At 39, Nabi seeks to add South Africa to the list of 45 teams he has defeated in his career.
Although Mujeeb Ur Rahman was sidelined after one game, Afghanistan's depth, bolstered by Bravo's strategic guidance, has been sufficient to outclass their opponents. Afghanistan's bowling attack leads the tournament with 57 wickets and an economy rate of 6.35, second only to South Africa's 6.10 among the Super Eight teams.
However, Afghanistan's batting depth, particularly in the middle order, remains a concern. While Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have formed four 50-plus partnerships when batting first, their performances while chasing have been less impressive, with partnerships of eight, zero, and 13 against PNG, West Indies, and India, respectively.
South Africa could exploit this by making Afghanistan chase, aiming to separate their openers early and pressure the middle order. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi could be crucial on Tarouba’s variable surface, where spinners often thrive. South Africa's middle order, featuring Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and Heinrich Klaasen, is adept at countering spin, with experienced finisher David Miller adding depth.
South Africa, having weathered several challenges during the World Cup, is on a seven-match winning streak. They need two more victories to secure their first World Cup title. Both South Africa and India have the chance to make history by winning the T20 World Cup unbeaten.
Form Guide
- Afghanistan: WWLLW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
- South Africa: WWWWW
Key Players: Naveen-ul-Haq and Heinrich Klaasen
Afghanistan’s spinners are well-known, so the spotlight turns to seamer Naveen-ul-Haq. Initially stepping up in Mujeeb’s absence, Naveen has excelled, particularly with his variations at the death. His standout delivery to dismiss Travis Head, a slanting ball that swung and seemed late, is a contender for the ball of the tournament.
Heinrich Klaasen’s ability to disrupt spinners with his aggressive shots could be pivotal. Since early 2023, Klaasen has maintained a strike rate of 182.12 against spin in T20 cricket, the highest among players with at least 40 innings against spin.
Team News: Gurbaz's Fitness in Doubt
Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s fitness is uncertain after he injured his knee while keeping wicket against Bangladesh. If Gurbaz is unfit, Hazratullah Zazai might open, with Mohammad Ishaq possibly included as a keeper and middle-order batter.
Afghanistan (probable line up):
1. Ibrahim Zadran, 2. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)/Hazratullah Zazai, 3. Azmatullah Omarzai, 4. Gulbadin Naib, 5. Mohammad Nabi, 6. Karim Janat/Mohammad Ishaq (wk), 7. Rashid Khan (capt), 8. Nangeyalia Kharote, 9. Naveen-ul-Haq, 10. Noor Ahmad, 11. Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa (probable line up):
1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Aiden Markram (capt), 4. David Miller, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. Tristan Stubbs, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Keshav Maharaj, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Anrich Nortje, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi
Pitch and Conditions: Variable Bounce
Tarouba's pitch has shown variable bounce during the group stage, but recent remedial work may result in truer bounce on Wednesday. Dew has frequently influenced matches at this venue in the CPL.
Stats and Trivia: Afghanistan's Middle Order Challenges
Afghanistan’s bowlers have dominated the power play, taking 20 wickets with an economy rate of 7.19. South Africa, in contrast, has taken 10 wickets with a lower economy rate of 5.85. Afghanistan’s middle-order batters have the lowest strike rate (102.21) among Super Eight teams. Heinrich Klaasen has scored 27 runs off 21 balls against Rashid Khan, while David Miller has scored 50 runs off 42 balls with four dismissals by Rashid.
Afghanistan has yet to defeat South Africa and India in international cricket, highlighting the significance of their upcoming match.