SA vs AFG T20 World Cup Semifinal Preview: Battle of nerves as history awaits Afghanistan and South Africa

Afghanistan and South Africa are deserved semi-finalists for the way they have played in the  tournament. The will and resilience to win has been a common factor between them even if they  have made contrasting journeys to the semis. South Africa have been unbeaten so far. They have  been in difficult situations in the tournament but somehow, they have been able to find ways out  of it. South Africa have won tight games and these close wins will help them in the massive  game which is coming up.  

Afghanistan displayed great character in last couple of games, beating Australia in a tight contest  and then holding their nerves to register a brilliant, thrilling victory over Bangladesh to book spot  in the semis. But firstly, let’s talk about South Africa… 

The big plus for South Africa is obviously that they have not lost a game so far. But more than  that, I think their best cricket is still to come. South Africa have some outstanding cricketers who  are unquestionably one of the biggest matchwinners in the game. There is Heinrich Klaasen who  I admire a lot. He relishes these conditions, taking on the spinners on slow pitches. There are not  too many more destructive players in the world than Klaasen on slow surfaces. He has not clicked yet. So, he must be hungry to contribute in a big way and what better stage to do that  than the semi-final. I have a gut feeling that the semi-final might just be his playground, it might  be his moment to shine.  

I strongly believe that, apart from India, South Africa are the team who have benefitted the most  from IPL. Take a look at their team sheet and you will see a good number of players who  flourish in this format of the game in these conditions over the last couple of years. 

Aiden Markram will be a good example as his game has massively improved playing in the IPL.  Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Klaasen, Rabada, Nortje, have all shone in these kinds of  conditions. Not to forget, Miller and Rashid play for the same IPL team and both will know each  other’s strengths and weaknesses. 

South Africa have most bases covered. Their best XI, in my view, is the one they played in the  last game. I am a big fan of Tabraiz Shamsi as he will add variety to the attack. Keshav Maharaj  clearly has had a great tournament. Markram too can chip in with some off-spin. There are not  too many better bowlers in the world than Kagiso Rabada because of his ability to bowl at any  stage of the game. SA have also got pace of Nortje and left-arm option of Marco Jansen. They  could also play Ottneil Baartman if the pitch demands his inclusion. 

I am sure in the buildup to this game there will be talks about South Africa not being able to  cross this stage in ICC tournaments before. They have a history of semi-final heartbreaks but I  don’t think that the baggage of history is being carried by the current lot. There is no question  that they can get over the line here. 

The other thing to appreciate in South Africa is how they have been flexible in their batting  lineup. There have been times when David Miller has gone up to bat. When Stubbs has done the  same and Markram has gone up and down. Their middle-order has played the game situation  well by being flexible. 

As far as Afghanistan are concerned, I am so full of praise for them. While South Africa built  their success on basis of team performance, Afghanistan had different outstanding individual  performances which helped them get over the line. Fazalhaq Farooqi is leading wicket-taker  while Rahmanullah Gurbaz is the leading run-scorer. Gurbaz’s contribution at the top has  worked wonders for Afghanistan. Rashid Khan, their captain, has been so inspirational as a  leader. He is back to full fitness and form and it is so good to see him perform like before. 

The one player I would pick from Afghanistan who could be a game-changer in the upcoming  clash is Azmatullah Omarzai. He top-scored vs India in a low-scoring game but apart from that,  he has not really shone so far. I think, like Klaasen, he too has been quiet and the semi-final may  just get the best out of him. 

Afghanistan must be super confident at this moment, after beating Australia and then toppling  Bangladesh by a small margin in a tensed game. It must have taken a lot from them to win from  a very challenging position with rain around and a low score to defend. The stake was huge too.  

Many people just focus on Afghanistan’s spinners as if they are all about that but Farooqi and  Naveen-ul-Haq have shown that they are as good as anyone in the world when it comes to fast  bowling. Farooqi sets it up with the new ball and Naveen closes the game with his superb death bowling skills. 

The first semi-final is beautifully setup but the game will probably be won by the team that holds  the nerves together. There’s history waiting to be written and I am expecting a very tight contest.