Anti-Comedy
Grade: C
South Africa had famously never won a World Cup semi-final. (Well, the men, anyway.) In contrast, Afghanistan had never lost a World Cup semi-final. (And, yes, unfortunately, we’re still obviously talking about the men.)
So, all eyes were on how, exactly, South Africa would mess things up this time. Asked to bowl first, they immediately provided the perfect set-up for whatever comic outcome they had up their sleeves, when Marco Jansen broke the prolific Afghanistan opening partnership in his opening over, then followed it up with another wicket in his second.
A tall left arm fast bowler taking early wickets against Afghanistan, huh? Fascinating, fascinating.
Soon, Kagiso Rabada entered the attack, and he also took early wickets as part of this humorous premise. Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi then continued to lay the foundation for their eventual gag by also chipping in with wickets, as Afghanistan were bowled out for 56.
An incredible set-up out of the way, Quinton de Kock raced towards a punchline, losing his wicket in the second over, to leave South Africa behind the required rate with pressure building.
But then captain Aiden Markram joined Reeza Hendricks at the crease and knocked off the remaining runs with 67 balls and nine wickets to spare.
I’m embarrassed to say, I don’t get it. Perhaps it’s some kind of anti-comedy, like Norm McDonald at Bob Saget’s roast, or one of those Hannah Gadsby lectures, or any of my tweets that get no likes.
Still, on reflection, it’s amazing to think we’ll all now be supporting South Africa in a World Cup final.
Which, I guess, is a pretty decent bit.