Afghanistan had a difficult match against South Africa in the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final at Brian Lara Stadium. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Rashid Khan’s team struggled and got all out for just 56 runs in 11.5 overs.
None of Afghanistan’s batters could adjust to the conditions as South African bowlers dominated. Marco Jansen and Tabraiz Shamsi took three wickets each, while Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje grabbed two wickets each. This low score was the lowest ever in a T20 World Cup semi-final.
In reply, South Africa had an easy time chasing the target, winning by nine wickets with 67 balls to spare. This victory secured their first-ever World Cup final appearance, whether T20 or ODI. Aiden Markram’s team extended their winning streak to eight matches and became the first finalists of the tournament. They now await the winner of the India vs. England semi-final.
This article will explore the five lowest scores in men’s T20 World Cup semi-finals.
5. Pakistan vs South Africa in 2009- 149 runs
Pakistan chose to bat first after winning the toss in the 2009 T20 World Cup semi-final in Nottingham. Shahziab Hasan was out early, but Shahid Afridi played exceptionally well, scoring 51 runs from 34 balls. Pakistan finished at 149/4 in their 20 overs.
In reply, Jacques Kallis (64) and Jean-Paul Duminy (44) fought hard for South Africa. However, Pakistani bowlers, led by Shahid Afridi who took two wickets, kept their composure. South Africa fell short by seven runs, and Pakistan went on to win the final against Sri Lanka, claiming their first T20 World Cup title.
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4. New Zealand vs Pakistan in 2007- 143 runs
In the 2007 T20 World Cup, New Zealand played against Pakistan in the first semi-final in Cape Town. New Zealand batted first but couldn’t turn their good starts into big scores, ending with 143 runs. Pakistan’s Umar Gul took three wickets.
Pakistan’s Imran Nazir scored 59 runs, leading his team to victory by six wickets with seven balls left. However, Pakistan lost the final to India, their longtime rivals.
3. Sri Lanka vs Pakistan in 2012- 139 runs
In the first semi-final of the 2012 T20 World Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka decided to bat after winning the toss. Mahela Jayawardene scored 42 runs on a slow, spinning pitch, helping Sri Lanka reach 139 runs. Mohammad Hafeez scored 42 runs for Pakistan in response, and Umar Akmal added 29 unbeaten runs. Despite their efforts, Pakistan lost by 16 runs because they lost wickets regularly. Rangana Herath took three wickets for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka later lost the final against the West Indies.
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2. Sri Lanka vs England in 2010- 128 runs
In the first semi-final of the 2010 T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss at Gros Islet. They struggled to keep their wickets, with Angelo Mathews scoring 58 runs out of their total of 128 runs in 20 overs. Stuart Broad took two wickets for England.
England had no trouble chasing the target, winning the match by seven wickets with four overs to spare. They later beat Australia to win the 2010 T20 World Cup.
1. Afghanistan vs South Africa in 2024- 56 runs
Afghanistan played their first semi-final in an ICC event but didn’t do well. They batted first but only scored 56 runs. South African bowlers dominated them. African easily chased the target, winning by nine wickets with plenty of balls left. South Africa is doing very well in the 2024 T20 World Cup and reached the final.
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