T20 World Cup 2024: 'This Time For Africa' - Cricketing World Reacts After South Africa Seal Semi-Final Spot

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Cricketing World reacted after South Africa kept their composure to enter the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024, seeing off a formidable West Indies side by three wickets in a thrilling rain-truncated Super 8s contest in North Sound, Antigua & Barbuda on Sunday (June 23).

After wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi (3/27), along with fellow tweakers Keshav Maharaj (1/24) and skipper Aiden Markram (1/28), restricted West Indies to a manageable 135 for 8, South Africa achieved the revised target of 123 with five balls to spare.

With this win, South Africa topped Group 2 with defending champions England finishing as the second-placed team to finalize the two semi-finalists.

Tristan Stubbs (29 off 27 balls), one of the most talked-about among young T20 batters, set up the chase in company of Heinrich Klaasen (22 off 10 balls) for the South Africans.

But it was Marco Jansen (21 not out off 14 balls), who hit a beautiful six down the ground off the first ball of the 17th over bowled by left-arm pacer Obed McCoy to seal the deal.

Kagiso Rabada's cover drive off Roston Chase (3 for 12) when South Africa required 9 off 7 balls was equally worth all the praise as the Proteas escaped falling to the chokers tag again.

Markram's side is likely to face Australia or Afghanistan in the first semi-final. Following the West Indies vs South Africe game, several cricketers past and present reacted, praising the Proteas and sympathising with the Men in Maroon.

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra simply recalled the famous Shakira's song for FIFA World Cup 2010 Waka Waka by posting, "Alright then...it's time for Africa. Unbeaten streak continues. Hosts eliminated. #IndvEng semifinal is loading," Chopra posted on X adding India could face England in the semi-final.

Meanwhile, former South Africa captain AB de Villiers was thrilled with the unbeaten run, but reminded everyone that the Proteas are yet to play their best cricket despite the winning streak.

"Proteas! 7 in a row and off to the semi's. Well done guys," De Villiers posted on X before a reminder about their best cricket is still pending, "Still feel their best Cricket is yet to come. Haven't really zoned yet. Nice to qualify for a semi final without playing at your best. Looks like they're close."

Former India batter S Badrinath also took to social media to commend South Africa's performance throughout the tournament and congratulated the team on reaching the semi-final.

"Surreal performance from South Africa throughout the World Cup so far. Well done on making it to the Semi final! Hard Luck Windies ," Badrinath posted on X.

Several team official handles also posted their reaction to the result as Rajasthan Royals said it is agony for one team and ecstasy for another before congratulating Keshav Maharaj.

"Rain. Emotions. A World Cup semi-final spot on the line. Yes, agony for Windies and ecstasy for South Africa but what also stands out is Keshav Maharaj's loooong hug to Hettie after the game just knowing what he must be going through," RR posted on X.

"Cricket was always a competitive sport but thank you IPL for helping us see the soft the side, off the field! Well done, @keshavmaharaj16 and congratulations, SA."