It’s the Proteas versus ... someone else

The T20 World Cup is not over, contrary to rumours in New Zealand and Australia. It has actually reached the semifinal stage, but Oceania has not been invited to the party. Cricket writer Adrian Seconi takes a look at the semifinal match-ups.

Afghanistan

v

South Africa

Tarouba, 12.30pm

Afghanistan’s story: They beat New Zealand in pool play and upset Australia in the Super 8 round. They also edged Bangladesh in a ridiculously tense match to make it into the semis. But it is hard to say whether they are darlings, devils or something in between. The country’s human rights record has some questioning whether they should even be involved. The sight of Gulbadin Naib falling foul to a cramp the moment he noticed coach Jonathan Trott signalling his team to slow down when rain was threatened and Bangladesh had fallen behind on the DLS has broken the internet. There is no truth in the speculation Naib had something abrasive in his pocket and that is why he fell over clutching at his leg at that exact moment. But Afghanistan can also claim a Cinderella-like run and it is just wonderful for world cricket to have a less fancied team into the semis. It will rain bullets in Kabul if they get past South Africa.

Key players: Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading scorer at the tournament. The 22-year-old right-hander has flayed 281 runs and has combined in three 100-plus stands with fellow opener Ibrahim Zadran. Classy spinner Rashid Khan is a trump card with the ball. He has nabbed 14 wickets at 12.21 and played a key role in the win against Bangladesh. He took four for 23 to turn that match around.

South Africa’s story: A familiar one: always the bridesmaid, never the bride. The Proteas are fierce competitors but they also have a reputation for losing the big games. Who could forget the 1999 ODI World Cup semifinal against Australia when they needed nine to win off the final over with one wicket in hand? Lance Klusener thumped the first two balls for four but Allan Donald got himself run out with the scores tied. Australia advanced to the final. But this time South Africa have made their way through to the semis without registering a loss, although Nepal came very close to causing a huge upset in pool play, but fell two runs short of victory.

Key players: Wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock has banged 199 runs at a strike rate of 148.50 and is hard to stop when he gets going. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has taken 10 wickets and gone for just over six an over. The right-armer is just another in a long list of classy opening bowlers the Proteas have been able to lean on for decades.

Prediction: South Africa.

England

v

India

Bridgetown, tomorrow, 2.30am

England’s story: Hope the defending champions lose on a boundary countback. That would seem fair.

Key players: Phil Salt and Jos Buttler. They can club the ball. Salt has smashed 183 at an average of 45.75 and Buttler has amassed 191 at 47.75. Their strike rates are awfully impressive as well. They are around the 160 mark. If they get going, no total is out of reach.

India’s story: Looking formidable. They are unbeaten in the tournament and have posted good wins over Australia, Pakistan and Afghanistan. The Indians have more batting firepower and more options in their bowling lineup than when they were beaten by England during a semifinal clash at the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Key players: Prolific opener Rohit Sharma has scored more runs in T20 internationals than anyone else and he has been in fine form again. He whacked 92 in the 24-run win over Australia earlier this week. Jasprit Bumrah is a major threat with the new ball. The fast bowler has 11 wickets at an average of 8.54 and an economy rate of 4.08 so far. Not bad.

Prediction: India. No, England. Wait, um, India?

adrian.seconi@odt.co.nz