"Batting on that cracked mosaic was an absolute lottery" - Fans slam "horrible" pitch used in SA vs AFG 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal

Fans have reacted to the pitch used during the 2024 T20 World Cup semifinal between South Africa and Afghanistan on Wednesday, June 26, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. This came after Afghanistan were bundled out for 56, the lowest-ever total in a T20 World Cup semifinal.

After losing Rahmanullah Gurbaz in the first over, Afghanistan continued their slide as the experienced South African pacers, Kagiso Rabada (2/14), Anrich Nortje (2/7) and Marco Jansen (3/16), cleaned up the top and middle-order. The tail was taken care of by Tabraiz Shamsi (3/6).

The assistance for the pacers was abundantly clear, as the surface also had uneven bounce. Some good length balls kept low, while others bounced sharply off the surface. Fans on X labeled the pitch 'horrible' for T20 cricket and better suited for the Test format. They also took aim at the International Cricket Council (ICC).

In the 2023 World Cup as well, the ICC came under the radar for opting to switch from a fresh pitch to a used surface in the semifinal between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium.

Interestingly, one fan pointed out that the Caribbean Premier League 2020 semifinal played at the same venue witnessed Guyana Amazon Warriors getting all-out for 55.

Here are some more fan reactions:

Some fans thought that the pitch favored South Africa, who used it to their advantage.

"Make Afghanistan play Test matches so they can win semifinals like these. Horrible pitch. The probability of a team making it to the final without a match taking place is additionally awful. This would be an extremely bad end to this World Cup," one fan posted.

"What an awful pitch for a world cup semi-final. Batting on that cracked mosaic was an absolute lottery which SA took full advantage of. Well done Afghanistan for great entertainment throughout the competition. You well deserved your semi-final place," a fan posted.

"This T20 World Cup will be remembered for bad pitches, bad weather and Pakistan losing to USA," another noted.

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T20 World Cup: South Africa reach their first-ever ICC World Cup final

South Africa made history on Wednesday by reaching their first-ever ICC World Cup final.

After bundling out Afghanistan for 56, they lost Quinton de Kock (5) in the first over. However, Reeza Hendricks (29*) and skipper Markram (23*) stood tall and sealed the chase in under nine overs.

The Proteas will face the winner of India vs England in the T20 World Cup final in Barbados on Saturday, June 29.