Former England captain Michael Vaughan has criticized the scheduling of the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-finals, following Afghanistan’s heavy defeat to South Africa. Vaughan’s remarks came after Afghanistan’s 9-wicket loss to South Africa in the first semi-final, where he expressed concern over the team’s preparation and the Trinidad pitch conditions.
Afghanistan, opting to bat first, managed to score only 56 runs, their lowest total in a T20 World Cup semi-final. Vaughan highlighted the short turnaround time between Afghanistan’s last Super 8 match and the semi-final, attributing it to a flight delay affecting their preparation.
South Africa’s dominant performance ended Afghanistan’s fairy tale run in the tournament, marking Afghanistan’s first semi-final appearance in ICC history. The match at Brian Lara Stadium saw challenging conditions for batting, with Afghanistan unable to cope with the pace-friendly pitch.
Vaughan suggested that the scheduling favored India, implying that their semi-final against England should have taken place earlier to allow Afghanistan more acclimatization time.
The T20 World Cup continues with the second semi-final scheduled between India and England in Guyana.
