What time do the Proteas play in T20 World Cup final?
What time do the Proteas play in T20 World Cup final?
The Proteas have reached a maiden T20 World Cup final after claiming a resounding win over Afghanistan. They are now within reach of a historic first-ever ICC world title.
So, when will they play this final? The good news is that the title decider will take place at a far more favourable time for viewers in South Africa, with the final getting under way at 16:30 (SA time) on Saturday.
It still remains to be seen whether they will play India or England, with this second semi-final still to take place on Thursday (16:30 SA time).
Proteas on a roll at T20 World Cup
South Africa beat Afghanistan by nine wickets in Trinidad on Thursday morning in a game that started at 02:30 (SA time).
A belligerent bowling performance and calm from the top-order secured South Africa’s ticket for the Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final.
Player of the Match Marco Jansen (3/16 from three overs), Kagiso Rabada (2/14 from three) and Anrich Nortje (2/7 off three) barely putting a foot wrong, before Tabraiz Shamsi cleaned up the tail with figures of 3/16 in just 11 balls.
Chasing just 57, calm from the South Africa’s top order forced Afghanistan’s hand in deploying Rashid Khan inside the Powerplay, moving to 34/1 after six overs.
Despite the early wicket of Quinton de Kock (5), claimed by Fazalhaq Farooqi (1/11), Reeza Hendricks (29*)* and Aiden Markram (23) extinguished any Afghan threat to chase down the target inside nine overs.
After the win, Markram paid tribute to the other 14 members of the squad and the fans back home.
“It feels good (to make it to the final).
“It’s a massive squad effort. Really chuffed for us to have one more crack at lifting that trophy.
“There are a lot of people waking up (in South Africa) with a little bit more grey hair, but this win will be more comforting for them. We’ve never been there (to the final) before, but there’s a lot of belief. It takes a full squad to put together a really good game of cricket.”
Reflecting after his performance, Jansen hailed the simplicity of the team’s gameplan, and was quick to pay tribute to his captain.
“For us, it was just sticking to the plan and bowling our best ball.
“The assessment was the wicket was giving us a few to work with and we just wanted to keep it simple.
“He’s (Markram) awesome and he keeps it calm. We will enjoy (the win) and be on it again tomorrow.”
Important reminder
South Africa await the winner of the India v England semi-final on Thursday morning, and will play the winner in Barbados on June 29.