In what will go down as one of the greatest T20 World Cup matches ever, South Africa defeated Afghanistan after two Super Overs in a heart-pounding Group D clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The Proteas kept their winning start alive in the T20 World Cup 2026, but only just.
Both teams finished the regulation 20 overs tied at 187. It was the first time in T20 World Cup history that a match needed two Super Overs to decide a winner. For Afghanistan, it was yet another heartbreaking near-miss.
Power-Packed Start Sets Up the Drama
South Africa batted first after winning the toss. Openers Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock tore into the Afghan attack with aggressive intent. Rickelton smashed 61 off just 28 balls, while de Kock made 59 off 41. David Miller (20) and Marco Jansen (16) added quick runs at the death to post 187/6.
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was the pick of the bowlers with 3/41, while captain Rashid Khan took 2/28.
Afghanistan’s Chase: Gurbaz Lights Up the Stadium
Chasing 188, Afghanistan came out firing. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was unstoppable, blasting 84 off 42 balls with 7 sixes and 4 fours. The Afghans raced to 50 in just 4.2 overs.
Wickets fell in the middle overs, but Gurbaz kept them in the hunt. Azmatullah Omarzai chipped in with 22, and Rashid Khan added 20. Late fireworks from Noor Ahmad (15 off 9) took the game to the wire.
With two needed off the last ball, Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out attempting a double. Scores level at 187. History beckoned.
First Super Over: Stubbs Saves the Day
Afghanistan batted first in the first Super Over and posted 17, powered by Azmatullah Omarzai’s two sixes off Lungi Ngidi.
South Africa’s reply started shakily. Dewald Brevis fell early, but Tristan Stubbs joined David Miller. With 7 needed off the final ball, Stubbs smashed a massive six off Farooqi to tie the scores again. The crowd erupted – a second Super Over was on.
Second Super Over: Maharaj Delivers the Knockout
This time South Africa set the target. Stubbs and Miller destroyed Azmatullah Omarzai’s bowling, with Miller smashing two sixes. They posted a daunting 24.
Afghanistan needed 24. Mohammad Nabi fell early to Keshav Maharaj. Rahmanullah Gurbaz then produced magic – three consecutive sixes. A wide from Maharaj made it 5 off 1.
But Maharaj held his nerve. The final ball saw Gurbaz hole out at backward point. South Africa won by 4 runs. Maharaj’s calm under pressure and Stubbs’ heroics proved decisive.
Lungi Ngidi, who took 3/26 in the main innings, was named Player of the Match.
Why This Win Matters Right Now
This result keeps South Africa’s campaign strong in the T20 World Cup 2026. For Afghanistan, it’s another case of what could have been – they pushed the Proteas to the limit but fell just short.
The match also saw huge interest in India, with search trends spiking around the toss and during the dramatic finish.
Fans are calling it one of the most entertaining games of the tournament so far. South Africa move forward with momentum, while Afghanistan will look to bounce back quickly.
In a tournament full of big hits and close contests, this South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 encounter reminded everyone why cricket is the ultimate rollercoaster. Pure drama from start to finish.
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