Proteas secure semi-final spot in ICC Men’s T20 World Cup with dominant win

Proteas bowler Keshav Maharaj celebrates with captain Aiden Markram during the Super 8 match against India. The Proteas secured a nine wicket victory over the West Indies to confirm their semi-final spot. South Africa have qualified for the semi-final stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, after beating the West Indies in their second Super 8 fixture in Ahmedabad on Thursday; and due to India winning their match against Zimbabwe.

The Proteas made light work of the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium, completing a dominant nine-wicket victory, which complemented their thrashing of India this past Sunday. With the two victories, South Africa have extended their unbeaten streak in the tournament to five wins. India’s comprehensive 72 run victory over Zimbabwe on Thursday evening, meanwhile, confirmed the Proteas progression.

With one more match remaining, a fixture against the Chevrons in Delhi this coming Sunday, SA will only play to maintain their unbeaten run into the last four. Under the captaincy of Aiden Markram, the Proteas have reached the semi-final stage twice, having done so in the 2024 edition. The team has an opportunity to make it to their second-ever World Cup final.

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On the other hand, India and the West Indies each have one victory in the Super 8. As a result, Sunday’s fixture between the two teams is virtually a quarter-final, with the winner guaranteed a spot in the semi-final. As things stand, South Africa top Group 1 of the Super 8 on four points, with India placed in third place, behind the West Indies, who have a superior net run-rate with both on two points It will be a high-stakes game on Sunday between India and the West Indies, as the co-hosts and defending champions will look to avoid the embarrassment of being knocked out.

The other co-hosts, Sri Lanka, have already been eliminated from making the semis. Former champions, the West Indies, meanwhile, will be hoping to cause an upset by beating India on their home turf.

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