T20 World Cup 2024: Three Afghanistan players who can be the potential match-winners in the semi-final against South Africa

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Afghanistan cricket team will take on the South African cricket team in the first semi-final of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The game will get underway on June 27 (Thursday) at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad (6:00 AM - IST).

The Afghans will need to work their socks off this time around as they will be facing an opposition whom they have never defeated before in the T20 World Cup. In terms of the head to head record, the Rainbow nation have an edge over Afghanistan as they won two out of two. Moreover, South Africa remain unbeaten in the ongoing competition so far.

Nevertheless, the Afghans aren't a team to be taken lightly after the kind of performances they put in to reach this far in the tournament. They finished second in the Group C points table and also came second in the Super 8 to make it to the semis.

Afghanistan do have players who are hungry to showcase their mettle and they will expect their players to put up a stunning display against South Africa in the first semi-final. Let's take a look at the three Afghanistan players who can be the potential match-winners in the upcoming marquee clash.

1. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The exciting young prospect from Afghanistan has set the T20 World Cup 2024 on fire by letting his performances do all the talking. The attacking wicketkeeper-batsman is the leading run-scorer in this edition's showpiece event with 281 runs in seven games at an average of 40.14 including three fifties, the most by a batter so far in this event. For sure, he will be looking forward to continuing his midas touch with the bat in the mouth-watering clash.

2. Rashid Khan

The world-renowned leg-spinner has often carved out a reputation for himself with his exceptional bowling skills, courtesy of his unpredictable variations, quick arm action. What really sets him apart is his ability to hit the right areas, making it daunting for the batters to score freely. Apart from that, he is pretty good at pinch-hitting, a trait that might come in handy in crunch situations. Overall, he has taken 14 wickets in 7 games so far in the ongoing event. Rashid Khan who has been the biggest match-winner for the national cricket team will look to give absolutely everything in the key clash.

3. Naveen-ul-Haq

It is good to see an emerging pacer from Afghanistan making waves with his performances in international cricket. He has the potential to move the ball both ways, which can be quite effective in seam-friendly conditions, especially in the upcoming game where seamers are expected to benefit a lot. Naveen-ul-Haq who has bagged 13 wickets in 7 games in T20 World Cup 2024 is one of the players to watch out for in the first semi-final against the Proteas.