T20 World Cup 2024: Afghanistan's Probable XI & three players to check out for in the Semi-Final vs South Africa - Cricket Winner

Afghanistan has been on a dream run in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Making their first-ever semi-final qualification in an ICC tournament, the team has acted as the epitome of balanced teamwork, robust intent and dedication. By beating the top guns of the format, like New Zealand and Australia, their performance has made them a strong contender to reach the grand final. They have cemented their semi-final spot after scalping an intense victory in a low-scoring clash against Bangladesh, where they would be up against an in-form South Africa.

A primary concern would be regarding the team’s batting pillar, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who got ruled out due to an injury in between the game while keeping behind the wickets. With an upcoming intriguing matchup coming up, here are the three key players to check out from the Afghan squad and what could be a strong Probable XI in their semi-final clash against South Africa on the 27th of June.

Afghanistan’s strongest Probable XI vs South Africa:

1. Mohammad Ishaq (Wicketkeeper)

2. Ibrahim Zadran

3. Azmatullah Omarzai

4. Gulbadin Naib

5. Mohammad Nabi

6. Karim Janat

7. Rashid Khan (Captain)

8. Najibullah Zadran

9. Noor Ahmed

10. Naveen-ul-Haq

11. Fazalhaq Farooqi

Top three key players to checkout from Afghanistan:

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan symbolised a pure captain’s enigma and calibre in the ongoing edition of the tournament. He acted as the primary pillar to enhance the teamwork, intent and pure-class game display. The spinmeister has been a toll of headache for many impeccable batters. In this edition, he has proved it to be the same and has scalped some wickets during crucial moments. In this T20 World Cup, he has taken 14 wickets off just seven matches at an economy of just 6.10, making him the current third-highest wicket-taker of the tournament.

Fazalhaq Farooqi

To summarise Afghanistan’s performance in the tournament, it has been a paradise for bowlers to display their X-factor. One such player utilised this vast platform to the fullest was Fazalhaq Farooqi. The Afghan pacer has been the best for the Afghan arsenal and the best bowler in the ongoing run. In his seven-match run-up, he has scalped 16 wickets in just seven matches, with an economy of 6.38. With one fifer and best figures against New Zealand and India, there is no doubt he would be a player to check out for the clash against Proteas.

Gulbadin Naib

Gulbadin Naib has been a vital all-rounding hand for Afghanisthan’s dream run in the tournament. He has the potential to provide an impactful pace and hit strong and clean shots with his strength. Notably, his performance against PNG on the Trinidad & Tobago turf, where he showcased his batting prowess, gives the team an excellent boost in middle-order batting. His recent bowling performances against West Indies and Afghanistan are the icing on the cake, making him a highlight player to check out for in the semi-final clash.

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2024: 3 concerns for Afghanistan in Semifinals