Tag: T20 World Cup 2024

The highly-anticipated second semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 between defending champions England and India, scheduled today in Guyana, is likely to be affected by rain.

According to AccuWeather, it is likely to rain throughout the day, with the downpour likely to intensify after 10:00 AM local time, half an hour before the scheduled start of the match at 10:30 AM.

There are 66 per cent chances of rain at the scheduled time of the coin toss which would increase to 75 per cent an hour late.

The chances of rain will then significantly reduce to as low as 34 per cent between 1 PM and 2 PM.

For the unversed, the International Cricket Council (ICC) scheduled a reserve day for the first semi-final but not for the second.

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The apex cricketing body, however, allocated an extra time of 250 minutes for the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 between India and England, in a bid to give the ground staff ample time to prepare the field if rain allows.

The winner of the second semi-final will face South Africa in the final, who outclassed Afghanistan in the first knockout game earlier today in Trinidad.

The Proteas bundled out Afghanistan on a meagre 56 and chased down the target for the loss of just one wicket and 67 balls to spare.

If the second semi-final gets abandoned then the team with a superior record in the Super Eight stage will qualify for the final.

Therefore, India will advance into the T20 World Cup 2024 final as the 2007 champions topped Group 1 standings with three victories in three matches. Whereas, England concluded the stage second with two victories in three matches.

READ: Afghanistan coach blames pitch after semi-final defeat against South Africa

TAROUBA: Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott lambasted on the pitch used for his side’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against South Africa.

Afghanistan batters found themselves in heaps of trouble against a ruthless South Africa bowling attack on a surface that offered lateral seam and uneven bounce.

The Asian side, after a shaky start, lost wickets at an alarming rate and were eventually bundled out on a meagre 56, their lowest total in Men’s T20Is.

Set to chase a modest 57-run target, South African batters also had to make hard yards to achieve the total which they did for the loss of one wicket and 67 balls to spare.

Speaking after his side’s humiliating defeat, Jonathan Trott said the pitch used was not suitable for such big games.

“I don’t want to get myself into trouble, I don’t want to come across as bitter or sour grapes but that’s not the pitch that you want to have in the semi-final of the World Cup. Plain and simple,” said Trott.

“It should be a fair contest. I’m not saying it should be flat completely with no spin and no seam movement, but you shouldn’t have bets, worrying about going forward and the ball flying over your head.

“T20 is about attacking, scoring runs and taking wickets, not looking to survive.”

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Jonathan Trott also expressed dissatisfaction with his side’s tight schedule, so they got less time to prepare than their opposition.

“Playing the last group game and then playing the first semi-final isn’t ideal – travelling and not really having, a day off if you like. But that’s not a reason we didn’t win.

“We knew the schedule, so that’s not an excuse as such. In tournaments you can’t have everything your own way, you’ve got to fight and play against the odds. We have done that at times and I’m very proud of that.”

Afghanistan had a campaign to remember in T20 World Cup 2024 as they registered wins over Papua New Guinea (PNG), Uganda and New Zealand in the group stage before triumphing over Australia and Bangladesh in the Super Eights stage to qualify for their first-ever semi-final.

READ: Rashid Khan opens up after crushing semi-final defeat against South Africa

TOROUBA: Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan has opened up after the crushing defeat against South Africa in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 here on Wednesday.

Afghanistan, playing their first-ever semi-final of a World Cup in any format, bundled for a meagre 56 runs in the first innings and succumbed to a humiliating nine-wicket against South Africa.

Rashid Khan acknowledged the shortcomings in the semi-final, however, he expressed satisfaction over the team’s performance throughout the tournament, especially the pace bowlers.

“It was tough for us as a team. We might have done better but the conditions didn’t allow us to do what we wanted. That’s how T20 cricket is, you need to be ready for all conditions,” the leg-spinner stated after the match.

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“I think we got good success in this tournament because the seamers bowled really well, you need good starts. I think we were unlucky with Mujeeb’s injury, but our seamers and even Nabi bowled brilliantly with the new ball. That made our job easier as spinners.”

The 25-year-old further reflected on the lessons Afghanistan learned during their T20 World Cup 2024 and stated that they have the self-belief to defeat any team.

“We have enjoyed this tournament. We will accept playing a semi-final and losing to a top side like Africa. It is just the beginning for us, we have the confidence and belief to beat any side,” he added.

“We just need to keep our processes. This has been a great learning experience for us. What we take from the competition is the belief. We know we have the skills, it is just about managing tough situations, pressure situations.”

READ: English batter smashes second-fastest double-hundred in first-class cricket

TOROUBA: South Africa put up an impressive performance and completely outclassed Afghanistan in the first semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 to secure their spot in the final for the first time here on Wednesday.

Set to chase a meagre 57-run target, South Africa comfortably completed the pursuit in 8.5 overs after losing one wicket.

The Proteas did not get the desired start to the chase courtesy of Fazalhaq Farooqi who clean-bowled Quinton de Kock (5) in the second over.

However, Reeza Hendricks and captain Aiden Markram ensured that their side comfortably chased down the modest total.

They raised an unbeaten 55-run partnership for the second wicket and finished the game in the ninth over.

Hendricks top-scored with 29 runs from 25 balls, featuring three fours and one six, while Markram scored a 21-ball 23, laced with four boundaries.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s decision to bat first against South Africa at a tricky pitch did not bear fruits as they were bowled out for a paltry total in 11.5 overs.

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The Asian side had an unwanted start as they lost in-form opening batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (0) on the last ball of the first over with four runs on the board.

Marco Jansen, who dismissed Gurbaz, added another wicket to his tally in the next over when he bowled Gulbadin Naib (9).

What followed was a middle-order collapse as Afghanistan lost four more wickets in quick succession including Azmatullah Omarzai, who was the only batter to reach double figures with 10 off 12, to eventually slip to 28-6 in 6.3 overs.

Skipper Rashid Khan (8) and all-rounder Karim Janat (8) then showed some resistance with a 22-run partnership for the seventh wicket.

Tabraiz Shamsi broke the partnership as removed the Janat, followed by the wicket of Noor Ahmed (0) in the same over.

Anrich Nortje bowled Khan, while Shamsi hit the final nail in the coffin with the wicket of last-man Naveen-ul-Haq (2) to wrap up Afghanistan’s innings.

Shamsi returned with brilliant bowling figures of 3-6, while Jansen claimed 3-16. Nortje and Kagiso Rabada managed two wickets each.

READ: Rashid Khan reprimanded for ICC Code of Conduct breach

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Wednesday, officially sanctioned Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan for showing dissent towards a teammate during his side’s victory over Bangladesh at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

Afghanistan, on Monday, made history as they qualified for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event’s semi-final by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan captain Rashid expressed visible frustration in the final over of the first innings and an outburst on his teammate which earned him the sanction.

After playing a trademark snake shot towards the off-side, Rashid attempted to run back for a second run, thanks to a fumble in the field, but was sent back by his partner.

Rashid, who was already halfway down when his partner declined a second run, hurled his bat in frustration to the ground, and then turned to make his ground comfortably, indicating there was indeed plenty of time for a couple.

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Karim Janat calmly picked up the bat and gave it back to his angry teammate. He then took a single, allowing Rashid to face the last two balls of the over.

The right-handed batter belted the final ball of the innings for a six, to finish at an unbeaten 19 off 10 deliveries.

Rashid Khan backed his quickfire cameo with resounding bowling figures of 4/23 and played a pivotal role in defending the modest total against Bangladesh.

It is pertinent to mention that Afghanistan will lock horns with South Africa in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024 on June 26 at Brian Lara Stadium, Tarouba, Trinidad.

READ: ‘No history in semi-finals makes Afghanistan dangerous’: Jonathan Trott

India’s all-format captain Rohit Sharma responded to former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq’s statement regarding India’s pacers’ premature reverse swing in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 fixture against Australia.

Rohit, at a press conference, ahead of India’s semi-final against England, asked critics to “open your mind” and understand “where we are playing”.

“What answer will I give? If you are playing under the sun and the wickets are this dry, the ball will reverse on its own. The ball is reversing for all teams. Not just for us,” stated Rohit.

“Sometimes, it’s important to open your mind (use your brain). You have to understand where we are playing. We are not playing in England or Australia,” Rohit Sharma added.

Earlier, Pakistan’s legendary batter Inzamam-ul-Haq questioned Indian pacers’ ability to reverse the ball early, citing the example of Arshdeep Singh bowling the 15th over.

“Arshdeep Singh when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing. is it too early [for reverse swing] with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over, Umpires should keep their eyes open [to spot] these things,” stated Inzamam on a local news channel.

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“If it was Pakistani bowlers [reverse swinging the ball] this would have been a big issue. We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before,” he added.

Inzamam-ul-Haq gave leverage to Jasprit Bumrah, considering his unorthodox bowling action, but reiterated that the ball had to be in “perfect condition” for the other bowlers.

“Because for reverse swing … look Bumrah can do it, because of his action; but for some bowlers – their action and their speed, the ball has to be in that perfection condition and prepared well [to reverse]. It could be that the wicket was hard and rough, that could be the reason [for the ball getting scuffed up on one side], but these things have to be noticed.”

READ: ‘No history in semi-finals makes Afghanistan dangerous’: Jonathan Trott

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott Wednesday termed his side dangerous ahead of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final against South Africa on June 26.

Afghanistan, on Monday, made history as they qualified for an International Cricket Council (ICC) event’s semi-final by defeating Bangladesh in a low-scoring thriller.

The Atalans defeated New Zealand, Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Uganda in the group stage before their historic victory over Australia, followed by Bangladesh in the Super Eights stage.

They lost only two matches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 thus far against West Indies and India.

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Meanwhile, Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott, at the pre-match conference ahead of their high-stakes clash against South Africa, claimed that having no history in the semi-finals makes his team dangerous.

“I also think we go into the semi-final with no scarring or no history with regards to the semi-finals. This is uncharted territory for us. Just going to go out there and give it a roll,” Jonathan Trott said.

“There are no preconceived ideas, or history of failure or success in semi-finals so for us it is a new challenge. And I think it makes us dangerous in the semi-finals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition,” he added.

It is pertinent to mention that South Africa are unbeaten in the T20 World Cup 2024 with seven victories on the trot.

The Proteas made it to the T20 World Cup semi-finals twice but lost on each occasion.

READ: ICC unveils match officials for T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals

Former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq advised the umpires to “keep their eyes open” as he questioned India’s bowlers’ ability to reverse swing the ball early during their crucial ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 fixture against Australia.

The legendary Pakistan batter highlighted that left-arm Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh was reversing the ball in the 15th over, which according to him is a rare sight in cricket.

“Arshdeep Singh when he was bowling the 15th over, the ball was reversing. is it too early [for reverse swing] with the new ball? This means the ball was ready for reverse swing by the 12th or the 13th over, Umpires should keep their eyes open [to spot] these things,” stated Inzamam on a local news channel.

“If it was Pakistani bowlers [reverse swinging the ball] this would have been a big issue. We know reverse swing very well and if Arshdeep can come in the 15th over and start reversing the ball, it means some serious work had been done before,” he added.

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Inzamam-ul-Haq gave leverage to Jasprit Bumrah, considering his unorthodox bowling action, but reiterated that the ball had to be in “perfect condition” for the other bowlers.

“Because for reverse swing … look Bumrah can do it, because of his action; but for some bowlers – their action and their speed, the ball has to be in that perfection condition and prepared well [to reverse]. It could be that the wicket was hard and rough, that could be the reason [for the ball getting scuffed up on one side], but these things have to be noticed.”

India booked their spot in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 with a 24-run victory over Australia in a high-stakes clash. The 2007 champions will now take on defending champions England in the second semi-final on June 27 at Providence Stadium, Guyana.

READ: ICC unveils match officials for T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the match officials for the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

South Africa and Afghanistan square off in the first semi-final at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad on Wednesday, June 26, with Richard Illingworth and Nitin Menon, serving as the on-field umpires.

Richard Kettleborough will be the TV umpire while Ahsan Raza was named the fourth umpire.

Afghanistan will feature in a T20 World Cup semi-final for the first time while South Africa will play their third.

South Africa made their way to the semi-final in the 2009 and 2014 editions where they lost to Pakistan and India respectively.

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Consequently, both sides will be eyeing a maiden appearance in the T20 World Cup final.

The second semi-final will feature two former champions — India and England — and will be a rematch of the T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final where Jos Buttler’s side decimated the Men in Blues.

The blockbuster semi-final is scheduled to take place on June 27 at Providence Stadium, Guyana where Chris Gaffaney and Rodney Tucker will serve as the on-field umpires.

Joel Wilson was named the TV umpire while Paul Reiffel will be the fourth umpire.

Match Officials appointment for T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals

June 26: South Africa v Afghanistan (Trinidad)

Referee: Richie Richardson
On-field Umpires: Richard Illingworth and Nitin Menon
TV Umpire: Richard Kettleborough
Fourth Umpire: Ahsan Raza

June 27: India v England (Guyana)

Referee: Jeffrey Crowe
On-field Umpires: Chris Gaffaney and Rodney Tucker
TV Umpire: Joel Wilson
Fourth Umpire: Paul Reiffel

READ: Babar, Rizwan slip as Travis Head crowned top-ranked T20I batter