Former England captain Michael Vaughan believed it was unfair for Afghanistan to play their semi-final match immediately after their final Super 8 game in the T20 World Cup 2024. South Africa sliced Rashid Khan and his team apart in the first knockout round, bowling them out for a mere 56 at Trinidad’s Brian Lara International Stadium.
Except for winning the toss, the subcontinent team had little influence on the events. After deciding to bat first, Afghanistan lost five wickets in the powerplay, including Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, their in-form openers. The Proteas bowled brilliantly, as Afghanistan scored the lowest total in T20 World Cup semi-final ever.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan’s captain, stated after the toss that the build-up to the match had been difficult, owing mostly to a flight delay.
“When you have a 4-hour delay flight, it’s not easy. Doesn’t matter if you sleep 1 hour, you have to be at your best.”
Rashid Khan
Michael Vaughan also backed Afghanistan after their poor batting performance. In a series of tweets, Michael Vaughan highlighted how the scheduling, which revolved around India, has had a significant influence in Afghanistan. Michael Vaughan said:
“So Afghanistan qualify for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players i am afraid. you surely earn the right in a semi final to have at least 1 days preparation.”
Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan added:
“Surely this Semi should have been the Guyana one .. but because the whole event is geared towards India it’s so unfair on others.”
Michael Vaughan
The second semifinal clash involving India and England is slated to unfold on Thursday June 27 at the esteemed Providence Stadium in Guyana. The match is scheduled for the morning hours in local time aligning with Indias position determined by the preseeding rule.
Afghanistan on the verge of being eliminated from the T20 World Cup
Defending 57 runs in a T20 match is close to impossible, but Afghanistan is making a concerted attempt to stretch the game as much as possible. They struck quickly as Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Quinton de Kock in the second over.
Rashid Khan and his teammates attempted everything against the Proteas, but Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram stood firm. South Africa were unconcerned with the early blow and chased the total in 8.5 overs to go to the finals of an ICC event for the first time.