The ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 has been beset by logistical challenges, pitch controversies, and uncooperative weather. The latest disruption affected the South African team, who are set to face India in the final on Saturday.
According to ESPNcricinfo, a landing failure of a small private aircraft at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados caused the entire South African squad, their families, commentators, and match officials to be stranded at Trinidad airport.
The Barbados airport was closed for inspections by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Barbados Police Service. Just before takeoff, the pilots were informed about the runway closure in Bridgetown.
The South African team and other stranded individuals were told the tentative rescheduled departure time was 4:30 PM local time, resulting in nearly a six-hour delay. They have since reached Barbados.
Sharleen Brown, Corporate Communication Specialist at GAIA, stated, “It appeared that the landing gear of the private aircraft did not deploy, but it is currently on the runway at GAIA [Grantley Adams International Airport] safely.” She added that all three individuals on board—two passengers and a pilot—were unharmed.
Previously, teams like Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Ireland faced similar issues, spending an entire night at the airport while traveling from Florida to New York. Afghanistan, who finished their last Super Eight game early Tuesday morning, had their flight delayed before their semi-final on Wednesday night.
South Africa secured their place in the World Cup final for the first time by thrashing Afghanistan by nine wickets on Thursday. Chasing a modest target of 57 runs, the Proteas reached 60/1 in 8.5 overs with Reeza Hendricks (29*) and Aiden Markram (23*) remaining unbeaten.
Their bowling attack dismantled the Afghan team, which collapsed for 56 runs in 11.5 overs, with Tabraiz Shamsi and Marco Jansen taking three wickets each. As they prepare to face India, who have remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, South Africa will aim to build on their impressive form.
