It’s a momentous occasion in South African cricket, as the Proteas men have stormed their way into a first T20 World Cup final after a comprehensive victory against Afghanistan.

Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bat first in Tarouba, but the semifinal first-timers would be in for a rough ride after the electric scenes from two days ago.

Marco Jansen struck at the end of the first over to send back the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz without scoring. The tall left-armer would strike again in his second over to remove Gulbadin Naib. Kagiso Rabada also joined the fun when he destroyed Ibrahim Zadran’s stumps.

The misery continued for the Afghans, as the Proteas pacers continued to run riot. Azmatullah Omarzai was the only player to reach double digits. The quicks got plenty of assistance from a difficult pitch, and none of the Afghan batters were able to adjust.

At 28/6, much of the hope was lost, and the introduction of Tabraiz Shamsi would hasten the downfall. The left-arm wrist spinner would get 3 of the last 4 wickets, and Afghanistan were knocked over for just 56 on the board.

It was a productive little chase for the Proteas. Fazalhaq Farooqi removed Quinton de Kock early, but Reeza Hendricks and Aiden Markram – the two batters who were searching for form all tournament – navigated the remainder of the chase and stayed unbeaten.

While the Proteas are set to contend for the trophy on Saturday, the Afghans have reached uncharted territory in the T20WC for the very first time. It’s unfortunate that their campaign ended the way it did, but there are plenty of positives to take.

Tune in for the big game this Saturday in Bridgetown, at 4:30pm SAST.

AFG 56 all out in 11.5 overs (Omarzai 10 – Shamsi 1.5-0-6-3, Jansen 3-0-16-3)

SA 60/1 in 8.5 overs (Hendricks 29*, Markram 23* – Farooqi 2-0-11-1)