Afghanistan braced for 'massive' T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa
Afghanistan's remarkable journey at the T20 World Cup will take another "massive" step forward on Wednesday when they face South Africa in the first semi-final at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba.
It is an intriguing encounter which will produce a first-time finalist to take on either 2007 winners India or defending champions England who meet in the second semi-final at Guyana's Providence Stadium on Thursday.
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Celebrations in Afghanistan after Monday's Super Eight win over Bangladesh had ensured their passage at the expense of Australia were quickly closed down by the Taliban authorities.
But there may well be many more people on the streets if Rashid Khan can lead his team to the final with a win over the Proteas.
"I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan," said skipper Rashid. "It's an unbelievable feeling."
It is appropriate the Afghans will play in a stadium bearing Lara's name because, as Rashid said, the former West Indies great was "the only person who mentioned Afghanistan will be in semis".
"I think when you get the kind of great, great statements from a legend, as a team, I think it gives you lots of energy as well," said Rashid.
"We are capable -- but as long we keep the things very simple and I think in the whole competition so far, we kept the thing simple."
South Africa won the 1998 Champions Trophy but have a history of stumbling in the semi-finals of previous white ball World Cups.
They made it to the final four this time with seven wins in seven matches but they have been pushed to the limit, beating England, Bangladesh and Nepal by seven runs, four runs and one run respectively.
"Obviously most of the games have been a lot closer than we would have personally liked but the amazing thing is that this new Proteas team always seems to get over the line," said left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi.
"We've been put under huge pressure in every single game that we've played and the boys have managed to find a way to win no matter what the situation is, no matter how close the game is.
"That's really pleasing for us as a unit."
