South Africa qualify for T20 World Cup semis for first time since 2014

South Africa have qualified for the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 by beating the West Indies by three wickets (DLS) in Antigua on Sunday (June 23). As a result, the West Indies have crashed out of the tournament.

South Africa are one of only two unbeaten sides in the tournament. This is the first time the Proteas have made it to the semi-finals of a T20 World Cup since 2014, when the tournament was held in Bangladesh.

Aiden Markram used the spinners, including himself, to good effect as the Proteas had the West Indies two down in the first seven deliveries of the match, but Kyle Mayers (35) and Roston Chase (52) put up 81 for the third wicket to resurrect their innings, paving the way for the co-hosts to get to a competitive 135/8.

In the second innings, Andre Russell picked up two quick wickets and had the momentum before rain stopped play. With a revised target of 123 in 17 overs in front of them, plenty of batters - Markram (18), Tristan Stubbs (29) and Heinrich Klaasen (22) got off to starts, but it was Marco Jansen (21*), who held his nerve to take his side home in the last over, despite Chase giving them a scare with figures of 3/12. 

South Africa started off their campaign with wins over Sri Lanka, the Netherlands and Bangladesh in New York before moving to St Vincent, where they survived a scare against Nepal. In the Super 8s, they pipped the USA and then edged England before just about getting over the line against the Windies.

Earlier in the day, England became the first team to qualify for the semis with a comprehensive 10-wicket win over the USA in Barbados. 

Later today (June 24), India take on Australia in another crucial Super 8s game. A win for India will see them make it through to the semis, and Australia might crash out. An Australian loss will see Afghanistan in with a chance to make it through, provided they beat Bangladesh a few hours later. India too can crash out of the tournament; here's how.

The first semi-final will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium, Trinidad, on June 26 (Wednesday), while the second one will be played at the Providence Stadium, Guyana. South Africa will take on the second-placed side from Group 1, while England will play the winner of the group in the final four stages. 

The T20 World Cup 2024 will reach its conclusion, with Kensington Oval, Barbados, hosting the final on June 29 (Sunday).

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