Kabul, Afghanistan – Afghanistan faced a disappointing defeat in the T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa, with the match marred by criticism of the pitch conditions. The Afghan team was bowled out for their lowest total in T20 cricket history, scoring only 56 runs while batting first at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad.

Former England seamer Steven Finn and England World Cup winner Alex Hartley were vocal in their criticism of the pitch, describing it as “awful” and unsuitable for a T20 game. They highlighted the inconsistent bounce and challenging conditions that led to a lackluster spectacle for the fans.

South Africa managed to chase down the target of 56 runs in just 8.5 overs, with one wicket down. However, they too struggled with the pitch conditions, facing numerous uncomfortable moments during their innings. The lack of a fair contest between bat and ball was evident, with the pitch heavily favoring the bowlers.

Afghanistan’s struggles were further compounded by the significant lateral movement for fast bowlers and the unpredictable nature of the pitch. The poor quality of the playing surface raised concerns about the suitability of the venue for high-stakes matches like a World Cup semi-final.

Despite the challenging conditions, South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram remained positive, acknowledging the tough batting conditions but expressing excitement for the opportunity to play in a World Cup final. The Proteas are set to face the winner of the second semi-final between India and England in Barbados in their quest for their first men’s title.

Markram emphasized the importance of staying focused and embracing the challenge ahead, aiming to secure a historic victory for South Africa. With external pressures mounting, the Proteas are determined to keep their approach simple and maintain their composure as they strive for a maiden World Cup triumph.