AFGHANISTAN’S dream of becoming the International Cricket Council T20 World Cup champion came crashing to an end on June 26 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba.

After being dismissed for 56 against South Africa in the semifinals, the team's under-dog story was ended as South Africa chased the score in 8.5 overs. Afghanistan supporters came out in droves throughout the tournament and the semifinal was no different as fans crowded the stands cheering on their favourite players. Rashid Khan, captain of the Afghanistan team, fastbowlers Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq and batsmen Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran were some of the top performing players throughout the World Cup.

This is South Africa's first time making it to the final of an International Cricket Council sanctioned event and will move on to battle the winner of today's match for T20 glory.

South Africa's captain Aidan Markram said they are yet to play a perfect game but believe this is their year for victory.

The final match will be played on June 29 at the Kensington Oval in Barbados at 10.30 am.

Check the Newsday newspaper, website and social media pages for daily updates on your favourite teams.

[caption id="attachment_1092826" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fans show their support for Afghanistan during the ICC T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Afghanistan, at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Tarouba, on June 26, 2024. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092828" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Artist Andy Brown creates a live painting of the semifinal match. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092829" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fans wave their Trinidad and Tobago's flag during the T20 World Cup semifinal between Afghanistan and South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on June 26. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092830" align="alignnone" width="1024"] South Africa supporters brought their excitement to the stands during the semifinal match against Afghanistan on June 26. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092831" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Tan Tan and Saga Boy made an appearance at the World Cup semifinals on June 26. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092832" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Afghanistan's captain Rashid Khan takes a selfie with fans at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on June 26. - Photo by Ayanna Kinsale[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092833" align="alignnone" width="1024"] South Africa celebrates the wicket of Afghanistan batsman Mohammed Nabi. - Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1092834" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Afghanistan batsman Mohammed Nabi plays a shot against South Africa at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on June 26. - Photo by Lincoln Holder[/caption]

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