T20 World Cup 2024: South Africa Hold Nerve To Knockout West Indies & Seal Semi-Final Spot

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South Africa held their nerve to seal a semi-final spot in the T20 World Cup 2024 following a 3-wicket (DLS Method) win over West Indies in a crucial Super Eight match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda.

Marco Jansen ensured South Africa do not choke again as his unbeaten 21 off 14 balls, including a six of the first delivery of the final over the rain-affected game, helped cross the line with 5 balls to spare, breaking West Indies hearts.

After an hour's rain delay saw the game reduced to 17 overs with the target adjusted from 136 to 123, South Africa were well on their way to reaching the target at 77 for 3 in 7.5 overs until they lost Heinrich Klaasen (22 off 10 balls) and Tristan Stubbs (29 off 27 balls).

In between the two dismissals, David Miller's struggle ended at 4 off 14 balls with the Proteas staring at the return of the chokers tag, but Jansen held his nerve and batted through to carry the team across the line and retained their unbeaten run in the tournament.

For West Indies, Roston Chase (3 for 12 in 3 overs) was the pick of the bowlers, while Andre Russell (2 for 19 in 4 overs) and Alzarri Joseph (2 for 25 in 4 overs) chipped with two wickets each.

Earlier, opting to bowl, Jansen gave South Africa the perfect start by removing Shai Hope for a duck in the first over, while skipper Aiden Markram struck four balls later to remove the dangerous Nicholas Pooran for 1, leaving West Indies at 5 for 2 in 1.1 overs.

Chase (52 off 42 balls) and Kyle Mayers (35 off 34 balls) steadied the ship after the hosts lost two quick wickets. But left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi's magnificent bowling performance of 3/27 restricted West Indies to 135/8 in 20 overs.

The Chase-Mayers stand was ended by Shamsi, who also removed Sherfane Rutherford in quick succession. Andre Russell (15 off 9 balls) and Alzarri Joseph (11 off 7 balls) ensured West Indies reached 135, which in the end was not enough for the hosts.

Apart from Shamsi, Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Markram and Kagiso Rabada also chipped in with a wicket each, while Anrich Nortje executed a crucial run out to dismiss Russell.

With this result, South Africa extended their winning run to 7 as they produced yet another thriller having played very close contests in the previous 6 matches. The Proteas could face either Australia or Afghanistan in the semi-final 1 on Wednesday (June 26).