South Africa Secures T20 World Cup Semi-Final

South Africa secured their spot in the T20 World Cup semi-finals with a tense three-wicket victory over co-hosts West Indies using the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method in a crucial Super 8s match. Following England’s earlier confirmation of qualification, the match held in Antigua functioned crucially as a de facto quarter-final, deciding the second team to progress from Group 2 into the T20 World Cup semi-finals. It was a high-stakes encounter where South Africa emerged victorious, securing their place in the last four of the tournament.

Chasing a revised target of 123 under the DLS method, South Africa faced challenges but ultimately prevailed when Marco Jansen struck a decisive six with five balls remaining. Initially restricting West Indies to 135-8, the Proteas encountered early setbacks in their chase with Andre Russell claiming two quick wickets. However, a rain delay of 75 minutes interrupted play, leading to a revised target for South Africa from 17 overs.

Returning to the field with renewed vigor, South Africa’s flurry of boundaries put them back in control. Despite Roston Chase’s valiant efforts with both bat and ball for West Indies, South Africa remained composed in the closing overs, clinching victory. The Proteas’ spinners, notably Tabraiz Shamsi with figures of 3-28, played a pivotal role in their unbeaten run at the tournament, setting up their first T20 World Cup semi-final appearance in a decade.