MARKRAM OR RASHID... WHO WINS?

In the green corner is Proteas captain Aiden Markram. In the blue corner is Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan.

These are the men that are going to lead their respective teams into battle in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup semi-final in Trinidad and Tobago today.

The prize on offer is a first-ever appearance in a World Cup final for both nations.

The pair have, of course, gone head-to-head before in Betway SA20 Season 1.

Markram captained Sunrisers Eastern Cape, while Rashid led MI Cape Town.

On both occasions it was Markram and his SEC team that came out on top, with 'Sauce' himself being Player of the Match at St George's Park courtesy of a 35-ball 50 and figures of 2/8 in two overs. Rashid at least gained a semblance of revenge in the return match at Newlands, claiming his counterpart's wicket for 12 off 14.

Will it be the same again today at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy?

Both captains are certainly looking forward to the experience.

“Any player wants to do well in the big games and make a big impact in semi-finals and knockout games," Markram said.

“Definitely fizzed up to put in a performance and wanting it that extra little bit compared to other games. Fingers crossed it works out.

“As a team we are properly excited about the opportunity. it's not just about me. 

“We get calmness from the way we want to play the game and our identity as a team. I think that frees up the guys to play their best game of cricket. It's exciting and nerve-wracking all in one.”

Rashid was equally enthusiastic.

“I don't know how to describe my feeling. It's a big achievement for us being in the semi-finals and yeah, I think the cricket we have played in the whole tournament so far - I think we deserve to be in the semis,” Rashid said.

“The way everyone took the responsibility of getting into the game and performing best for the team. So, I don't know how I can describe my feeling but it's a massive achievement for us as a team and as a nation to be in the semis and now looking forward to the semis.”

Both captains were also fully aware of the overall importance of being in a World Cup semi-final means to their fans back home.

“We have been tracking really well as a white-ball team the past 18 months to two years to hopefully go one step further and into a final,” Markram said.

“The promise we make to each other as a team is to give really good and good energy about the game.

“You will see a team that is hungry to win and represent the country in a positive manner and try to express themselves to be the best cricketers they can possibly be.”

Rashid concurred.

“I think the semi-final is going to be a massive, massive inspiration for the youngsters back home in Afghanistan,” he said.

“That Afghanistan team get into the semis for the first time. And we have done it under 19 level, but this level we haven't done that.”