SA vs AFG: 'Emotionally Hungover' - Twitter Reacts After Afghanistan Batting Collapse in T20 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final

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Experts reacted after Afghanistan batting folds for 56 All Out in the first semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 against South Africa at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad & Tobago on Wednesday (June 26) night.

Opting to bat first after qualifying for their first-ever semi-final, Afghanistan lost their way in the very first over after in-form Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell to Marco Jansen, who later removed Gulbadin Naib and Nangeyalia Khan inside powerplay.

Kagiso Rabada also chipped in with a couple inside the first six overs, removing Mohammad Nabi and Ibrahim Zardan to leave Afghanistan at 23 for 5 in 5 overs. Anrich Nortje joined the party, dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan.

Wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi later ran through the lower-order, finish with figures of 3 for 6 in 1.5 overs as he removed Karim Janat, Naveen-ul-Haq and Noor Ahmad. For Afghanistan, only Omarzai (10 off 12 balls) got into double digits.

Shamsi (3 for 6) and Jansen (3 for 16) were the top wicket-takers for South Africa, while Rabada (2 for 14) and Norte (2 for 17) chipped in with two wickets each as Afghanistan posted their lowest total in T20Is and also lowest total in T20 World Cup semi-finals.

During the batting collapse, some of the experts felt the Afghans are yet to get over the emotions of reaching the first-ever semi-final by beating Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh earlier in the tournament.

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody simply posted "Emotionally hungover," referring to the celebrations from just few nights ago, while former England captain Michael Vaughan reacted to skipper Rashid's statement at the toss about a four-hour flight delay.

"So Afghanistan qualify for the WC semi winning in St Vincent on Monday night .. 4 hr flight delay on Tues to Trinidad so no time to practice or get accustomed to a new venue .. utter lack of respect to players i am afraid," Vaughan posted.

"When you have a 4-hour delay flight, it is not easy. Does not matter if you sleep 1 hour, you have to be at your best. We are going with the same lineup," Rashid had said at the toss.

Meanwhile, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar gave credit where it's due as he highlighted aggressive nature of the Proteas bowling and their fierce spirit.

"My dream came true today. SA showing some real aggression & fierce spirit to go with their amazing skills!" Manjrekar posted on X after South Africa ripped through Afghanistan in just 11.5 overs.

Former South Africa pacer Dale Steyn praised the lethal pace attack of the Proteas, by posting, "Proteas with the bit between their teeth! It's been destructive poetry in motion. Beautiful to watch."