T20 World Cup 2024 SA vs AFG: 1st Semi Final Dream11 Predictions, Fantasy Tips, Teams, Pitch Report & Top Picks

AFG vs SA, T20 World Cup 2024: Dream11 Predictions for 1st Semi-final [AP Photos]

The T20 World Cup 2024 is down to its business end. We are just three games away from getting the new T20 World Champions. At this juncture, South Africa (SA) will be playing against Afghanistan (AFG) in the first semi-final of the tournament. This game will be played at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad, on June 27 at 6:00 AM IST.

Before the game starts, let us look at the Dream11 predictions, fantasy tips, pitch report, the top player picks and the best-predicted XIs for the fantasy contests of the match. 

SA vs AFG: Toss Update

Afghanistan have won the toss and they will be batting first

South Africa Changes: Same Team

Afghanistan Changes: Same Team

SA vs AFG Head-to-Head Stats

South Africa and Afghanistan have played two T20I games against each other. The Proteas have won both games.

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SA vs AFG Pitch Report

The wicket at the Brian Lara Stadium has acted in four of the bowlers in this tournament. The batters have found it hard to score runs on this track, and hence, we have seen below-par totals on the track. There will be help on the track for both the pacers and spinners throughout the match. 

Brian Lara Stadium Ground Stats (T20 World Cup 2024)

Matches: 4
Matches won batting first: 1
Matches win batting second: 3

Average first innings total: 91
Average second innings total: 89
Highest recorded total: 149/9 by West Indies vs New Zealand
Lowest recorded total: 40/10 by Uganda vs New Zealand

Fantasy value from the pitch report

• There will be help on the track for bowlers of all kinds. Stuff your team with as many bowlers and bowling all-rounders as possible.
• Technically sound batters who like to adjust themselves to the conditions initially will be the safest picks for the game. 

SA vs AFG Fantasy Cricket Tips

Scenario: If South Africa field first

• Being a left-arm pacer with a bit of help from the track, Marco Jansen might turn out to be a crucial factor for South Africa if they are fielding first. Besides Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi could also be crucial. 
• Among the batters, Aiden Markram might play a pivotal role in the SA batting. Reeza Henricks, who has looked out of touch so far, could be a differential choice given his technical firmness. 

Scenario: If Afghanistan field first

• Both Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen ul Haq will be crucial for Afghanistan if they are fielding first. In the middle overs, Rashid Khan could play a vital role. Noor Ahmad, who has not yet impressed with the ball in the T20 World Cup 2024, could be a differential choice.
• Inform Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran will be the most important cogs in the Afghan batting. If you are backing Afghanistan to win this game, keep both of these batters in your fantasy XI.

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SA vs AFG Winner Prediction

The Aiden Markram-led side is playing great cricket in the tournament. The best part of South Africa's journey has been the way they have bailed themselves out of pressure situations. The Proteas have been a part of the big games ahead and exactly know the things they should not do at this stage. However, it will be interesting to see if they are able to hold their nerves and see themselves through to the summit clash.

Afghanistan, on the other hand, are on a dream run. Their bowling has been the biggest strength. The fact that Afghanistan has already played at this venue gives them an advantage.

Looking at the overall balance and strength, South Africa looks like the favourites, but Afghanistan will be a force to reckon with in the game, and it will be a close competition between the two teams.

SA vs AFG Top Player Picks

Henirch Klaasen (SA)

• T20 World Cup 2024 Stats: 138 Runs in 7 Matches
• The South African keeper and middle-order batter has had a hot and cold T20 World Cup so far. However, Heinrich Klaasen can change the complexion of a game within a matter of deliveries with his power-hitting. And the fact that he will probably be batting in the middle overs and is a competent player for spin makes him a safe choice for the fantasy contests.

Tabraiz Shamsi (SA)

• T20 World Cup 2024 Stats: 8 Wickets in 3 Matches
• The South African left-arm wrist spinner has done a great job with the ball in the little opportunities he has had in the tournament. It is expected that Tabraiz Shamsi will be playing this game, and if he does, he will be a crucial choice for the fantasy contests.  

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (AFG)

• T20 World Cup 2024 Stats: 281 Runs in 7 Matches
• The Afghan opener has been one of the pillars of the team's dream run in the tournament. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been consistent and has the form with him. He will be one of the safer picks for the fantasy contests of the match.

Fazalhaq Farooqi (AFG)

• T20 World Cup 2024 Stats: 16 Wickets in 7 Matches
• The left-arm seamer has bowled some lethal spells with the new ball in the tournament. Fazalhaq Farroqi's spell will go a long way in determining the fate of the game on this track. With the kind of form that Farooqi has had in the tournament, he will be one of the safer picks for the fantasy contests. 

SA vs AFG Differential Picks

Marco Jansen (SA)

• T20 World Cup 2024 Stats: 3 Wickets in 7 Matches
• This South African all-rounder has not yet impressed with the ball in the tournament. However, Marco Jansen might come to the game with the expected playing conditions. The fact that he is a handy batter lower down the order also makes him a decisive choice for the fantasy contests. 

Noor Ahmad (AFG)

• T20 World Cup 2024 Stats: 1 Wicket in 6 Matches
• This left-arm wrist spinner has not found any kind of rhythm with the ball in the tournament. However, Noor Ahmad might turn out to be crucial with a little bit of assistance from the track.

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SA vs AFG Fantasy Expert Advice

Given how the wicket has played so far and the form of the players, a 2-1-3-5 or a 2-2-2-5 combination could be rewarding for the match. 

SA vs AFG Fantasy Team for Head-to-Head/Small Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: Reeza Hendricks
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Marco Jansen
Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rashid Khan, Anrich Nortje, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Captain: Tabraiz Shamsi
Vice-captain: Marco Jansen

South Africa: 6 Players; Afghanistan: 5 Players

SA vs AFG Fantasy Team for Winner Takes All/ Grand Leagues

Wicketkeepers: Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Batters: David Miller, Tristan Stubbs
All-rounders: Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib
Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Rashid Khan, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad

Captain: Fazalhaq Farooqi
Vice-captain: Gulbadin Naib

South Africa: 5 Players; Afghanistan: 6 Players