Anrich Nortje To Miss Champions Trophy Due To This Injury
South Africa’s Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy due to a back injury and becomes the latest setback to the fast bowler. Although Anrich Nortje was included in South Africa’s squad earlier this week, team officials revealed 48 hours later that he will not be fit on time to play the tournament’s opening match against Afghanistan on February 21, which also includes England and Australia in the same group. Who Will Replace Anrich Nortje? The replacement for Anrich Nortje will be confirmed at a later date. Options for his replacement could be seamer Gerald Coetzee, who recently recovered from a groin strain, or 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who could also be considered for the role. Anrich Nortje has had difficulty with recurring injury concerns in the past as well. His last test match was in March 2023 and his last one-day international was in September 2023. Anrich Nortje did play for South Africa in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 though, as the Proteas lost to India in the final of the tournament. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Which Team Will Make It To The WTC25 Final?
With only 15 test matches left in the current WTC cycle, the battle for the top two has really heated up. No side yet, is guaranteed a place in the WTC25 final and several teams still have a shot at landing one of the coveted spots. Here’s how the teams are shaping up as they go into the final stretch: South Africa Percent: 59.26, matches remaining: SL (1 home Test), PAK (2 home) A big win for South Africa at Durban has put them in a good position, but they still need to pick up more points to guarantee qualification to the WTC25 final. If they lose to Sri Lanka but win both their remaining Tests against Pakistan, then they would still have a fair chance of qualification with 61.11%. However, the two teams that could surpass them both are Sri Lanka and India. If South Africa somehow draw their second Test against Sri Lanka and then beat Pakistan 1-0, things would be much safer than they are now. In this best-case scenario, winning each of their next two series could guarantee them a place at the final, with only a possibility of Australia and India outscoring them. Sri Lanka Percent: 50.00, matches remaining: SA (1 away Test), AUS (2 home) Sri Lanka’s loss in Durban has complicated their route to the WTC25 final. They can get a maximum of 61.54% if they win their remaining three tests, which will guarantee them a spot in the final. However if they lose another test, they will rely on other teams’ performances as South Africa, India and Australia could surpass them. In order to stay ahead of the pack, Sri Lanka should aim to win the series against South Africa and Australia in their last matches. New Zealand Percent: 50.00, matches remaining: ENG (2 home) New Zealand’s chances are somewhat doused by its dismal performance in Christchurch, reducing their highest possible points to 57.14%. Though this leaves them a thin chance, they still have a mathematical chance to be in the WTC25 final. For instance, if the Australia-India series goes 1-1 and other series end in draws, New Zealand will top the table. However they would need a number of results to go in their favor to qualify and will rely on a series win against England for their hopes. India Percent: 61.11, matches remaining: AUS (4 away) A dominant win in Perth has increased India’s chances of qualifying into the final, however they need to finish strong in the remaining series against Australia. To be confirmed for a place in the WTC25 finals, India need to win three out of four remaining tests at Australia. In case India wins 3-0, it would get more points than Sri Lanka’s best achievable points and also would stand better than South Africa. While it has lesser points, they might also qualify among top two. However this all greatly depends on other teams. India’s fate is tied not only to their own results but also to the performances of South Africa, Australia and Sri Lanka. Australia Percent: 57.69, matches remaining: Ind (4 home Tests), SL (2 away) Australia’s loss to India in Perth has placed them under pressure. With their remaining six tests, they need four wins and a draw to stay in the hunt. If they win both the home series against India and Sri Lanka, they will exceed Sri Lanka’s maximum potential points. However Australia can finish at the top two only if they make their remaining series spotless, especially the one against Sri Lanka in the away series. Even if India wins 3-2 in the current series, Australia may finish ahead as they would have swept Sri Lanka. Pakistan Percent: 33.33, matches remaining: SA (2 away), WI (2 home) Pakistan’s revival at home has come too late in the cycle. Their maximum possible points of 52.38% still leave them with slim chances of qualification. To even have a chance, they would need several results to go their way. If Sri Lanka and New Zealand fail to go well in their remaining series, Pakistan may still end up in the running for a second-place finish. However, even a perfect record in their last four Tests most likely will not be enough to secure them a place in the final without other results working in their favor. England Percent: 43.75, matches remaining: NZ (2 away) England’s hopes of qualification are very low however not impossible. They now stand at 43.75% after their win in Christchurch, which means that there is very little margin for error. Still, on paper, they can mathematically finish second if all the other results go in their favor. If India loses all the remaining tests and South Africa and Sri Lanka do not garner enough points, England could sneak into second place. However, their chances of qualification for the WTC25 final are extremely low. Bangladesh and West Indies (Eliminated) Both Bangladesh and the West Indies are effectively out of the running for the top two positions in the WTC25 and their points and results aren’t enough to challenge the leaders. As the last 15 test matches take place, the battle for a place in the WTC25 final at Lord’s is bound to intensify. South Africa, Sri Lanka and India have a shot at it, whereas Australia, New Zealand and Pakistan still have a very slim chance. A few results will determine who finally goes to the final however one thing is sure, the race to the final of the WTC25 is wide open. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
SA vs IND: Sanju Samson Becomes The 1st Indian To Do This
While no one ever doubted his ability to score, concerns were only about him grabbing the opportunity. And boy, did Sanju Samson do it in style. Sanju Samson smashed his second T20I hundred in as many games, putting the South African attack to sword at Kingsmead with some extraordinary hitting. Samson Delivers It Back-To-Back Sanju Samson continued his scorching form as he completed two consecutive T20I centuries, taking India to a commanding position in the on-going series against South Africa at Kingsmead. The wicketkeeper-batter who had made an explosive 111 off 47 balls against Bangladesh in his previous outing, produced another masterclass in aggressive batting when he amassed a scintillating 100 off just 47 balls to lead India to set a daunting target. Samson Gives A Fiery Start To The Innings Samson’s scorching knock off 47 balls came as an onslaught from the very start. He raced to 35 runs from just 20 balls in the Powerplay, displaying excellent timing and power. Even after the field spread out, Samson’s intent remained clear as he launched into Nqaba Peter, smashing back-to-back sixes in the eighth over. The South African bowlers had little answer as Samson continued accelerating, cruising past the 50-run mark before setting his eye on three figures. Samson Breaks New Records Blistering hundred by Samson sets new records for Indian cricket. He became the first Indian to hit back-to-back T20I centuries and also registered the highest T20I score for India against South Africa. His performance included a devastating display of power hitting, smashing 10 sixes and 7 fours, at an astonishing strike rate of 214.00. Samson’s Shift From Middle-Order To Opening A transformation has been real for Samson after being seen largely as a middle-order batter. The 29-year-old batsman was patchy for some time and then was given the responsibility of opening the batting for India in T20 Internationals where he has produced rich dividends in matches played thus far. The adaptability with which he has performed in the top order has been worth gold, while even the fact that he managed consecutive centuries speaks to how crucial he is becoming for India’s T20I team. It is, in fact, one of his best plays that has sealed his place as one of the most thrilling T20 talents in India. He has raised himself to greater heights simply because of his fearlessness and now refuses to take on the bowlers around the globe; thus, making his remarkable strides in the shortest format of the game worth noticing by the cricketing world. Samson Sets Benchmark Other than being the first Indian to score successive T20I hundreds, Samson also set a new benchmark for Indian players against South Africa with his hundred standing as the highest ever hundred scored by an Indian in T20Is against the Proteas. He also registered the second-fastest T20I hundred against South Africa, thereby making it crystal clear that he is capable of delivering in high-pressure situations. What’s In Store For Samson Sanju Samson is the bright star India is looking for, for them to extend their dominance in T20I cricket. His splendid form is the glimpse of what he may become, however more importantly, a pronouncement of things to come in Indian T20 cricket, with Samson now firmly established as one of the leaders to watch out for in cricket. With the series on, all eyes would be glued to Sanju Samson as he looks to possibly continue that kind of form in this series and carry India further up the T20I leaderboard. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s T20 WC 2024: Another Final, Another Heartbreak For South Africa
Once more, South Africa‘s dream of holding a World Cup trophy meets the cruel hands of defeat. It was to be their time-everything pointed in that direction. Cricket giants had fallen by the way and for the first time South Africa had stepped up to greatness as favourites. However the game, life, is never fair and what had been so agonisingly within reach had again slipped from their fingers. The agony of this loss goes beyond scores; it speaks to years of longing and deep-seated belief that things will be different; that indeed, the weight of a nation’s hope crumbles beneath defeat’s reality. An Agony For South Africa Despite Paul Adams’s rallying pre-match pep talk, wherein he appealed to his players to draw strength from unity and to get inspiration from the Arc de Triomphe as a winner over adversity, South Africa did not fare the better in the field. No fire was visible in the fielding, no energy in the step. Furrows on the brows and slumped shoulders told the story of a team carrying the weight of expectation rather than riding the wave of their moment. They lacked the spark they showed in the tournament and seemed to be playing under the crushing weight of knowing how much was at stake. Not just a final—it was the final that they thought would rewrite their history. The Cost of Blunders Mistakes crept in. The wides, the no-balls, the fumbles in the field–all told of a team unravelling under the weight of their own ambition. Their normally disciplined bowling attack crumpled, their extra deliveries something they could not afford. The little costlier errors, hyped by the occasion, made the difference. They had thought to run after a small total, but by the time that the innings was done and over, the total had stretched beyond what they would go on to plan. The space between winning and defeat, so small and yet so vast, became clear with every run added. Fading Hope with Every Wicket Later, with the bat in hand, they failed again. The opening partnership had promised much for this country for a short brief time. Laura Wolvaardt was ever the tall and still standing bat; middle-order batsmen of South Africa, though, were yet to be tested under the intense fire of a World Cup final and bowed under the pressure. Every dot ball felt like a step away from glory, every wicket like the collapse of a dream. Pressure crushed them and before they knew it, the game was lost. As the runs disappeared, so did the hopes of millions who watched from their homes. The Cost Of Hope This loss feels cruel not just because of what happened on the field, but because of what it means off it. A country that burdens so many struggles-poverty, inequality, crime-in sport is more than just a game. It is the sign of hope, a season of unity in a fractured world. The people of South Africa would hark for that perhaps even more than any person could express. They wanted to believe that for the first time in their history, the tale would turn—that South Africa would transcend its past tragedies and become a triumphant superpower. Now, there is only emptiness left. Turning Adversity into Strength And yet, as much as the pain stings today, there is also resilience in South Africa’s story. This team, this nation, knows how to move forward. The tears will dry, the disappointment will be swallowed and the spirit of giving a tough fight will rise again. In a year’s time, at the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup 2025 in India, the Proteas Women will go again. That is what South Africa does-they never give up hope, never give up the fight. And someday, they will own it all. However, today, that’s just not the case. Too much heartache is all too real. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s T20 WC 2024: New Zealand Had The Last Laugh
It was all-smiles for New Zealand in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 final played in Dubai. The White Ferns (New Zealand) emerged as the titleholders of their maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup by defeating the Proteas Women (South Africa) with a margin of 32 runs. It had been a remarkable tale of turnaround for New Zealand, who had entered this tournament with a 10 game losing streak, however went on to win the title. New Zealand Sets a Formidable Target New Zealand set a stern target of 158/5, thanks to crucial knocks from Maddy Green and Izzy Gaze who struck 16 off Ayabonga Khaka’s final over. South Africa had denied New Zealand any boundary for the last 48 balls, but the Kiwis exploited six fours and a six off the remaining 34 to seal the contest beyond South Africa’s score. In response to this, all South Africa could do was 126/9-the biggest successful chase in the history of the tournament. Wolvaardt’s Calm Leadership and Crucial Decisions Laura Wolvaardt showed maturity by keeping it cool despite all that was happening around her. This is where she, for instance, took time to review an LBW decision against Sophie Devine that eventually went in favor of her team. The calm she showed in reviewing that decision might have cost South Africa dearly when South Africans were penalized for employing only three fielders outside the ring during New Zealand’s last over; such a risk allowed Green and Gaze to squeeze those priceless extra runs. South Africa’s Sloppy Feilding South Africa’s fielding wasn’t as sharp as it had been during their semifinal against Australia, even though they did hold onto several tough catches. They dropped what would have been an important catch off the final ball of New Zealand’s innings when Sune Luus failed to hold onto the ball, allowing the Kiwis to run some extras. South Africa conceded 15 extras, including two no-balls for cutting the return crease—decisions that were dubious but weren’t the decider. New Zealand’s Complete Domination The bottom line was that New Zealand batted, bowled and fielded better than their opponents, sustaining the momentum they created throughout the tournament. South Africans had begun well in the powerplay, but they lacked the discipline and sharpness they had shown against Australia and seemed relatively flat in the final. New Zealand Women’s Cricket Creates History The victory is well-timed and in a way, historic for New Zealand women’s cricket as they etched another proud page in their sporting annals. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
Women’s T20 WC 2024: And Then There Were Two
Cricket will see a new champion of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 when New Zealand faces South Africa in the final on Sunday, 20th October, 2024, in Dubai. New Zealand New Zealand, led by Sophie Devine, sealed their place in the final with a close victory over the West Indies on Friday in Sharjah. That is all they have been missing in their history-long quest for some silverware as they look to achieve their first-ever T20 World Cup title. South Africa Meanwhile, South Africa knocked out six-time champions Australia in the first semi-final on Thursday. They hope to go a step further than the previous tournament in 2023, where they lost to Australia in the final played on home soil. South Africa’s Second ICC Tournament Final This will only be the second time South Africa has reached the final of an ICC tournament, with their first last year when they were defeated by 19 runs to Australia in Cape Town. New Zealand’s Return To The Final After 14 Years This will be the Kiwis’ first appearance in a T20 World Cup final since 2007. Having been runners-up in the very first edition of the tournament and then again in 2010, when Australia edged them out, New Zealand will be looking to go one better than their record so far. Despite all that, only three teams have succeeded in achieving the ultimate prize in its eight different editions of Women’s T20 World Cup and these teams are England 2009, West Indies 2016 and Australia who have dominated the tourney by being crowned champions six times, including the last successive three. Neither New Zealand nor South Africa has successfully won a title of T20 World Cup for either men or women. Final The Dubai International Cricket Stadium has scheduled the final to be held at 6:00 PM local time on Sunday. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024: A Team-by-Team Preview
The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is all set to get underway from the 3rd to the 20th of October, 2024 at Sharjah and Dubai. Ten teams would be rubbing their shoulders against each other to have their hands on that elusive title at the Dubai International Stadium on 20th October, 2024. Let’s quickly go through the 10 participating teams in this edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. India India had to face a setback in the 2023 semi-final in an incredible game against Australia at Cape Town. The ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is where they will look to repeat that for a second final appearance and possibly a first title win. Australia Four times in a row, Australia come in as the tournament favorites, after dominating the competition in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, which they won for the sixth time in South Africa. The Australians have never lost since 2020 and are expected to try to maintain the grip on the trophy. England Traditionally a strong team, England made its debut as champions in 2009 and will expect an easy comeback from the loss in the semi-finals of last year. England has made it to the final thrice since winning their first title. Hence, they are again one of the favorites to win. South Africa South Africa, the runners-up of ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, are going to try that little extra inch further this time round since they managed history to make it to the very first final of their lives. They have all it takes to go deep again, and a rightful push to attain their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup trophy. New Zealand New Zealand have been the runners-up in 2009 and 2010. The Kiwis do have a good account of World Cup performances, and they would be looking to get it to the final this time around. Qualification increased following their crushing victories against Bangladesh and Sri Lanka at the fag end of last year. West Indies West Indies, champions in 2016, qualified solely based on their group play in South Africa. The Caribbean team will look to reignite the good old days with another title victory. Sri Lanka Sri Lanka qualified by winning the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 Qualifier. Having done quite well in 2023, where they opened with a win over South Africa, they will look forward to delivering when it matters the most this time around. Scotland The only first-time team participating in this event is Scotland, which gained qualification through the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier. This is actually the first taste of action on the world stage for the team. Pakistan Pakistan had qualified as the highest-ranked side, not including those that had otherwise already qualified for the event. As first-timers to the semis, they will look to make it big in the 2024 edition. Bangladesh Bangladesh, who had qualified as hosts before the competition was switched to the UAE, start against Scotland at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. It is Bangladesh’s sixth visit to the tournament; however, they have failed to go beyond the group stage so far. With the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 round the corner, teams are in full preparations to make their presence felt in the tournament. The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye
2024 T20 World Cup Final: India vs South Africa Head-To-Head
India and South Africa have emerged as the two finalists of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The Men in Blue secured their spot in the ultimate game with a convincing win over England in the semi-finals. This marks the third consecutive ICC tournament final for the Rohit Sharma-led team. Throughout the tournament, India has been dominant, winning all eight of their matches. In their latest victory, India overcame the ghosts of the 2022 edition by defeating the Jos Buttler-led England by 68 runs. Key contributions came from Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav, who helped India reach a total of 171 runs. The bowling duo of Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav then combined for six wickets, ensuring a comprehensive win. India now sets its sights on reclaiming the T20 World Cup trophy, which they last won in 2007. The highly-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 final will take place at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 29. South Africa, also unbeaten in this ICC event, secured their place in the final with a dominant nine-wicket win over Afghanistan in the semi-finals. This will be the Proteas’ first-ever appearance in a T20 World Cup final. As they prepare to face the formidable Indian side led by Rohit Sharma, it will be intriguing to see if they can overcome their opponents and claim the ultimate prize. SA vs IND Head To Head (Past 7 Matches) 2023 – India won by 106 runs2023 – India won by 5 wickets2022 – South Africa won by 5 wickets2022 – South Africa won by 49 runs2022 – India won by 16 runs2022 – India won by 8 wickets SA vs IND record in Kensington Oval, Barbados India and South Africa will face off against each other for the very first time at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, but the two sides have faced different oppositions at the venue, which has hosted several T20Is so far. Here is a look at the T20I stats from the venue: Cricket at the Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados STAT VALUE Matches 32 Won Batting 1st 19 Won Batting 2nd 11 No Results 2 Highest Total 224/5 by West Indies vs England in 2022 Lowest Total 80 All Out by Afghanistan vs South Africa in 2010 Average 1st Innings Score 153 Highest Successful Chase 172/6 in 18.1 overs by West Indies vs England in 2023 Lowest Total Defended 139/7 by South Africa vs Afghanistan in 2010 Highest Individual Score Rovman Powell (West Indies) – 107 off 53 balls vs Zimbabwe in 2010 Best Bowling Figures Jason Holder (West Indies) – 5 for 27 in 4 overs vs England in 2022 Total Sixes 411 sixes Total Fours 643 fours Total Hundreds 1 hundred Total Fifties 31 fifties India Record in Barbados INDIA AT BARBADOS STAT VALUE Played 3 Won 1 Lost 2 Won Batting First 1 Won Chasing 0 Highest Total 181 Lowest Total 135 The Indian Cricket Team’s record in Barbados shows a mixed performance over the three matches they have played. Out of these three encounters, India has managed to secure only one victory while facing defeat in the other two matches. Interestingly, their solitary win came while batting first, whereas they have not yet succeeded in chasing a target at this venue. The team’s highest total in Barbados stands at 181 runs, while their lowest total is 135 runs. These figures suggest a variation in their batting performances, reflecting both potential and inconsistency. Considering this record, it can be concluded that India’s performance in Barbados has not been particularly strong. Winning only one out of three matches, especially without any successful chases, points to challenges the team faces on this ground. The fact that their victories are limited and their ability to chase targets is yet unproven in Barbados highlights areas for improvement. For a team with India’s caliber and global standing, a better win-loss ratio and more consistent performances would be expected. Hence, the current record does not reflect the high standards typically associated with Indian cricket. South Africa Record in Barbados SOUTH AFRICA AT BARBADOS STAT VALUE Played 3 Won 2 Lost 1 Won Batting First 2 Won Chasing 0 Highest Total 170 Lowest Total 129 The South African cricket team’s record at Barbados showcases a relatively strong performance over the three matches they have contested. South Africa has won two out of these three encounters, demonstrating their ability to adapt and succeed at this venue. Both of their victories came while batting first, while they have not yet managed to secure a win when chasing a target. The team’s highest total in Barbados is 170 runs, while their lowest total is 129 runs. This indicates a level of consistency in their batting performances, allowing them to post competitive scores. Assessing this record, it can be concluded that South Africa’s performance in Barbados has been commendable. Winning two out of three matches and consistently performing well while batting first indicates a solid strategy and effective execution. Although they have not yet won a match while chasing, their overall record at this venue is positive and reflects their capability to dominate in challenging conditions. Compared to India’s record, South Africa’s performance in Barbados appears stronger, showcasing their adaptability and resilience on this ground. Pitch Report The pitch at Kensington Oval in Barbados is anticipated to provide early seam movement, posing a challenge for batsmen to find their rhythm initially. Fast bowlers should also find extra bounce advantageous on this surface. South Africa vs India Weather Forecast Bridgetown, Barbados may experience thunderstorms during the epic final on June 29. There is a 72% chance of precipitation. Temperatures are expected to range between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels not exceeding 85%. Winds are anticipated to blow at speeds of 30 to 50 km/h. The fans and fanatics are anticipating a mouth watering contest as India takes on South Africa in the Finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. They also expect
Here’s Why South Africa Is Set To Win 2024 T20 World Cup, Thanks To Aiden Markram
It doesn’t matter; South Africa is set to take the T20 World Cup trophy home. Be it England or India in the Final, the Proteas are the hot favorites for lifting the ICC silverware, thanks to Aiden Markram. South Africa entered the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 by defeating Afghanistan by 9 wickets in Tarouba, Trinidad. The Proteas made it to their maiden ICC Tournament Final in 32 years. Their skipper Aiden Markram has played a major role in rewriting history books. Aiden Markram’s 100 Percent Record Makes Headline Aiden Markram’s 100 Percent Record Makes HeadlineAiden Markram is yet to lose a match as Proteas skipper in ICC events. That’s right. Be it as an U19 skipper, or leading South Africa in ODI and T20 World Cup – he has not dropped even one game. That might be impressive to say the least. SKIPPER MARKRAM AT THE HELM AT THE WORLD CUPS TOURNAMENT PLAYED WON U-19 World Cup 2014 6 6 ODI World Cup 2023 2 2 T20 World Cup 2024 8 8 Trophies Won as Captain Aiden Markram’s success as a captain extends beyond international cricket. He has led his teams to victory in several major tournaments, showcasing his leadership skills: 1. ICC U19 World Cup 2014: Markram captained the South African U19 team to victory.2. SA20 2023: He led the Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the title in the inaugural season.3. SA20 2024: He successfully defended the title with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the second edition. Unstoppable Markram in 2024 T20 World Cup Under Markram’s captaincy, the South African team has shown remarkable performance in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Markram’s leadership has been crucial in South Africa’s unbeaten run in the tournament. The Proteas have won all 8 of their matches, from the group stages to the Super 8s and then the semifinal encounter against Afghanistan. South Africa’s Unbeaten Run at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 S.NO STAGE OPPONENT RESULT 1 Group Stage Sri Lanka Won by 6 wickets 2 Group Stage Netherlands Won by 4 wickets 3 Group Stage Bangladesh Won by 4 runs 4 Group Stage Nepal Won by 1 run 5 Super Eight USA Won by 18 runs 6 Super Eight England Won by 7 runs 7 Super Eight West Indies Won by 3 wickets 8 Semi-Final Afghanistan Won by 9 wickets South Africa has displayed formidable performance in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, remaining unbeaten across all stages leading up to the semifinals. In the group stage, they secured victories against Sri Lanka, Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Nepal, showcasing their ability to win under varying conditions and against diverse oppositions. With close victories against Nepal and Bangladesh the Proteas showed their capacity to handle pressure situations effectively. Moving into the Super Eight stage, South Africa continued their dominant streak by defeating USA, England, and West Indies. South Africa’s entrance into the finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 shows Markram’s ability to lead a team that has historically struggled to progress past the knockout stages of World Cups. The final is scheduled for June 29, 2024, where South Africa, under Markram’s captaincy, will aim to clinch their maiden ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title. South Africa’s unbeaten record and Markram’s impressive leadership will now be put to the test in the all-important Final on June 29th. Can Markram extend his unbeaten record, in arguably the most important match of his entire career? The Sportz Planet Desk,Atharva Shetye