The last four at the T20 World Cup has been set with South Africa taking on Afghanistan and India clashing with England.
South Africa and Afghanistan are in action first up playing late on Wednesday evening local time in Trinidad with audiences in the GMT +2 timezone having to set their alarms for 02:30 on Thursday morning.
India face England later in the day in Guyana with that match getting underway at 16:30 in the South African timezone.
T20 World Cup – Semi-Final 1
South Africa v Afghanistan
Thursday 27 June 2024 – 02:30
Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad
South Africa 36/100 | Tie 25/1 | Afghanistan 22/10
South Africa sealed top spot in their Super Eights group with victory over the West Indies in their final match and had to wait until the last match of the phase to learn who they would face.
The Proteas take on Afghanistan after the Asian side beat rivals Bangladesh in a tense rain-impacted match which also eliminated Australia from the running.
Quinton de Kock has been the standout with the bat for the Proteas in this tournament so far and we’d expect that to continue into the semi-finals.
For Afghanistan, the runs have flowed a little more freely and they have two batters across the 200-run threshold already with Rahmanullah Gurbaz leading the way and Ibrahim Zadran backing him up very well.
The Proteas’ pacemen carried the effort early but a starring effort from Tabriaz Shamsi last time out suggests he could be the key bowler for the green and gold.
Afghanistan have also enjoyed a great World Cup with the ball with wickets tumbling to Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq. Those three men have accounted for an incredible 43 wickets.
Afghanistan have the advantage of having played in Tarouba already in this tournament but their match against Papua New Guinea probably didn’t grant them too many insights.
South Africa have never played a T20I at the Brian Lara Stadium but might fancy their chances if they get to bat first.
Verdict: South Africa 36/100
While not at their best, the Proteas have been prepared to roll up their sleeves and win ugly this tournament. More of the same might be required against a dogged Afghan outfit.
T20 World Cup – Semi-Final 2
India v Engalnd
Thursday 27 June 2024 – 16:30
Guyana National Stadium, Guyana
India 61/100 | Tie 25/1 | England 27/20
England were made to sweat on their progression from both the initial group phase and the Super Eights but came through in the end and remain among the tournament favourites.
Many feel that this semi-final will yield the ultimate winner of the competition as England take on unbeaten India.
Neither side has played in Guyana during this tournament but many of the India players turned out at the venue during the two matches played against the West Indies at the venue last August.
England last alighted the venue in T20 cricket back in the 2010 T20 World Cup when they lost to the hosts.
Jos Buttler and Phil Salt are an ominous presence for any bowling unit and India will want them back in the hut as soon as possible.
England are likely to look to Adil Rashid for another star turn on a wicket that is traditionally helpful to spin.
India have quality spin options but have seen their pacemen Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh and Hardik Pandya do the damage in this tournament so far.
India’s batting hasn’t always fired in this tournament but Rohit Sharma’s threat is one England will want to neutralise as soon as possible.
Verdict: India 61/100
England are a dangerous outfit but should be kept at arm’s length by this top-class Indian side.
