Playing in Changzhou, Sindhu looked on course for one of her biggest wins of the season after taking the opening game and moving within touching distance of victory in the second. However, former Olympic champion Chen staged a remarkable comeback to win 16-21, 22-20, 21-18 in a contest that lasted one hour and 29 minutes.

The defeat came just days after Sindhu's impressive title-winning run at the Japan Open Super 750 tournament, where she had shown signs of returning to her best form after a challenging period on the international circuit.

Sindhu began aggressively and controlled much of the opening game with her attacking play and court coverage. The Indian shuttler maintained pressure on the fourth-ranked Chinese player and secured the first game 21-16, putting herself in a strong position.

The second game proved decisive.

Sindhu held multiple match points and appeared set to seal a straight-game victory. However, Chen displayed remarkable composure under pressure, saving four match points before turning the momentum in her favour. The Chinese star eventually edged the game 22-20, forcing a decider and energising the home crowd.

The momentum shift carried into the final game.

Although Sindhu remained competitive and stayed within striking distance throughout the third set, Chen delivered crucial points during the closing stages. The Chinese player held her nerve to complete the comeback and secure a quarterfinal berth with a 21-18 win.

Despite the loss, Sindhu's performances across the last two tournaments are likely to provide encouragement ahead of the remainder of the season. Her recent results have indicated improved consistency and physical sharpness, something Indian badminton followers will hope continues in the build-up to future major events.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh cricket has suffered a significant injury setback ahead of its upcoming series against Australia.

Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain has been ruled out after sustaining an injury, forcing Bangladesh to make changes to its pace-bowling plans for the high-profile assignment. The right-arm pacer has been one of Bangladesh's most effective red-ball bowlers in recent years and his absence is expected to weaken the team's fast-bowling resources.

Bangladesh team officials have not yet indicated a definitive timeline for his return, though medical staff will continue monitoring his recovery. The injury comes at an unfortunate time for both the player and the national team, with Bangladesh preparing for a challenging series against a strong Australian side.

Ebadot's absence places additional responsibility on the remaining pace attack as Bangladesh looks to compete against one of the world's leading cricket nations.

In another significant development from international cricket, Afghanistan has named Rahmat Shah as its new captain.

The experienced batter has been entrusted with the leadership role as Afghanistan continues its preparations for upcoming international assignments. Rahmat is among Afghanistan's most accomplished players and has been a consistent performer across formats for more than a decade.

Cricket observers view the appointment as a move aimed at providing stability and experience within the squad. Rahmat has previously played key roles in Afghanistan's rise in international cricket and is regarded as one of the senior figures in the dressing room.

The leadership change comes during a period when Afghanistan is seeking to strengthen its position in global cricket following a series of competitive performances in major ICC tournaments.

Thursday's developments highlighted a busy day across international sport, with Sindhu's narrow defeat ending India's hopes in the women's singles draw at the China Open, while Bangladesh and Afghanistan both announced significant cricket-related updates that could shape their upcoming campaigns.

The 31-year-old announced his decision through a social media post, citing personal reasons for relinquishing the role. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has not yet named a successor, and an official announcement regarding the new ODI captain is expected in the coming days.

Shahidi took over the ODI captaincy in 2022 and led Afghanistan during a transformative period for the team. Under his leadership, Afghanistan gained recognition as one of the most competitive emerging sides in world cricket and delivered several memorable performances on the global stage.

His tenure is particularly remembered for Afghanistan's campaign at the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in India. The team stunned several established cricket nations, defeating England, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Netherlands during the tournament.

Those victories elevated Afghanistan's status in international cricket and highlighted the growing depth and confidence within the squad. Although the team narrowly missed out on a semi-final berth, its performances were widely regarded as one of the major stories of the competition.

Shahidi also captained Afghanistan during the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, continuing to guide a side that has become increasingly competitive against higher-ranked opponents.

In his statement announcing the resignation, Shahidi described the captaincy as an honour and thanked players, coaches and cricket administrators for their support during his tenure.

He indicated that the decision was driven by personal considerations rather than cricketing reasons and emphasized that he remains committed to representing Afghanistan as a player.

The Afghanistan Cricket Board has yet to comment on possible replacements, though discussions around the next captain are expected to intensify given the team's busy international schedule.

While Afghanistan cricket prepares for a leadership transition, another major sporting story unfolded in Chennai, where reigning World Chess Champion D. Gukesh suffered his second consecutive defeat at the Chennai Grand Masters tournament.

The setback has come as a surprise to many chess followers, given Gukesh's remarkable rise over the past year and his status as one of the world's most promising young grandmasters.

The Chennai Grand Masters has attracted significant attention because it features several elite players competing on Indian soil. Expectations were particularly high for Gukesh following his recent achievements on the international circuit.

However, the world champion has struggled to find momentum in the event and now finds himself under pressure after back-to-back losses.

Chess experts noted that consecutive defeats are rare for players of Gukesh's calibre, making the development one of the biggest talking points of the tournament so far.

Despite the disappointing results, observers have cautioned against drawing long-term conclusions. Elite chess tournaments are often decided by fine margins, and even the strongest players can experience difficult stretches during demanding competitions.

For Indian chess fans, the tournament remains important not only because of Gukesh's participation but also because it reflects India's growing influence in global chess. The country has produced a remarkable generation of young grandmasters in recent years, with Gukesh emerging as one of its leading figures.

The latest developments in cricket and chess underline contrasting moments for two prominent athletes. While Shahidi has voluntarily brought a successful chapter of leadership to a close, Gukesh is facing a challenging period in a tournament where expectations remain exceptionally high.

Attention will now turn to Afghanistan's search for a new ODI captain and Gukesh's efforts to bounce back in the remaining rounds of the Chennai Grand Masters.

India will look to seal the three-match ODI series against Afghanistan when the two teams meet in the second One-Day International at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on Wednesday. Having secured a comfortable victory in the series opener, the hosts enter the contest with momentum on their side and the opportunity to take an unassailable 2-0 lead.

The match also presents a significant milestone for captain Shubman Gill, who is aiming to register his first ODI series win since taking over the leadership role. Gill led from the front in the opening game, producing an unbeaten 84-run knock that guided India to a convincing seven-wicket victory in Dharamshala.

India's young bowling attack also impressed, with debutants Gurnoor Brar and Harsh Dubey claiming three wickets each to restrict Afghanistan and underline the depth of talent available to the team management.

Gill's India Look to Continue Momentum

India's dominant performance in the first ODI has given the team management the flexibility to experiment with combinations. The captain recently indicated that opportunities could be provided to players waiting on the sidelines as the team continues to assess options ahead of future international assignments.

Players such as Yashasvi Jaiswal and Kuldeep Yadav could come into contention for selection as India seek to balance winning the series with building squad depth.

Gill remains the centerpiece of India's batting unit. Fresh from a successful IPL season and carrying excellent form into the series, the right-hander will once again be expected to anchor the innings.

The Indian bowling unit, despite the absence of senior stars, showed discipline and composure in the first match. Another strong showing could strengthen their claims for a more regular place in the national setup.

Afghanistan Seek Stronger Team Performance

Afghanistan enter the second ODI under pressure but not without positives. Opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered one of the standout performances of the series opener, scoring a brilliant century and becoming the fastest Afghan batter to register an ODI hundred against India.

However, the visitors struggled to find support around him as wickets fell regularly at the other end. Afghanistan's batting lineup will need greater contributions from the middle order if they hope to challenge India in Lucknow.

The bowling department also has room for improvement. Spin spearhead Rashid Khan remains Afghanistan's biggest threat and will be crucial on a surface expected to assist slower bowlers.

With conditions likely to suit spin, Afghanistan will be hoping their experienced attack can put greater pressure on India's batting lineup and force the series into a decider.

Key Battles to Watch

One of the most anticipated contests will be between Rahmanullah Gurbaz and India's pace attack. Gurbaz looked in excellent touch in the opening match and will again be Afghanistan's primary source of runs at the top of the order.

Another intriguing battle involves Rashid Khan against India's experienced batters. The leg-spinner has often troubled top-order players around the world and could play a decisive role if the pitch offers turn.

India, meanwhile, will rely on their in-form captain and young bowling group to maintain control and close out the series.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

The Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow has traditionally offered assistance to spin bowlers, particularly as the match progresses. The average first-innings score at the venue remains relatively modest, suggesting that batting could become challenging if conditions slow down.

Teams winning the toss may consider batting first and putting scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

Weather conditions are expected to remain clear throughout the day, with no significant threat of rain. A full match is anticipated, providing ideal conditions for a crucial contest in the series.

Match Details

Match: India vs Afghanistan, 2nd ODI

Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Date: June 17, 2026

Time: 1:30 PM IST (Toss: 1:00 PM IST)

Broadcast: Star Sports Network

Streaming: JioHotstar

With India aiming to wrap up the series and Afghanistan desperate to stay alive, an intense contest is expected in Lucknow as both teams battle for momentum and valuable international success.

Kuldeep Yadav's double strike on final day seals record-breaking victory as debutant Manav Suthar shines with seven wickets

India registered their biggest-ever Test win on Saturday, thrashing Afghanistan by an innings and 300 runs inside three days at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium. Kuldeep Yadav triggered the final collapse with two wickets in two balls as the visitors folded for 112 in their second innings.

The victory margin surpasses India's previous best—an innings and 262 runs against Afghanistan themselves in 2019. For Afghanistan, this was only their fourth Test match since gaining Full Member status, and the gulf in experience showed.

Spinners run through fragile line-up

Asked to follow on after conceding a 412-run first-innings lead, Afghanistan never looked like saving the contest. Fourteen wickets tumbled on Day 3 alone, with the pitch offering increasing turn and variable bounce.

Washington Sundar finished with four second-innings wickets while Kuldeep picked up three. Debutant Manav Suthar and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with one each. The Afghan batters, barring Sediqullah Atal's 42 and Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 24, offered little resistance. Seven batters failed to reach double figures.

The Indian attack needed just 35.5 overs to wrap things up in the second dig.

Suthar's dream debut

The Rajasthan left-arm spinner, called up after impressive domestic performances, ended with match figures of 7 for 62. After taking three wickets on Day 2, Suthar added four more on Saturday morning to clean up the first innings at 152.

"He bowled stump to stump and was really disciplined," Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted after the game. "The scoreboard pressure was there, and the pitch behaviour kept changing session by session."

Suthar's parents had travelled from Sri Ganganagar to watch him but returned home before his heroics—apparently due to superstition, according to team sources.

Batting foundation laid early

India's victory was set up by their first-innings total of 564 for 8 declared. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul struck centuries while Rishabh Pant and Sai Sudharsan contributed 81 runs each. Washington Sundar's 52 provided late impetus after India won the toss and opted to bat first on a dry surface.

The plan was to post 350-plus no matter where you're batting," Gill said after the match. "For the spinners, it was about gaining experience—how to set up batters in home conditions."

 India surpass West Indies' win tally

The victory marked India's 186th Test win in 599 matches, moving them ahead of the West Indies' tally of 185. Only Australia (426), England (405) and South Africa (191) have won more Tests. The result also provided some relief for the home side after losing 0-2 to South Africa last year, though that series was away from home against stronger opposition.

Afghanistan's Mohammad Saleem, who picked up a six-wicket haul in India's first innings, emerged as a rare positive for the visitors alongside Rahmat Shah's fighting 60.

The focus now shifts to the ODI series starting June 13.

The much-anticipated Test match between India and Afghanistan, beginning on June 6 in New Chandigarh, is being viewed as more than just another fixture in the international calendar. It brings together two teams at very different stages of their Test cricket journeys. While India continue their preparations for future World Test Championship campaigns, Afghanistan remain focused on building consistency and experience in the longest format of the game.

One of the most striking numbers ahead of the match involves Indian captain Shubman Gill. The right-handed batter has accumulated 2,843 runs in Test cricket, surpassing the combined tally of 2,388 runs scored by all current Afghanistan Test players in the squad. The statistic reflects the vast difference in exposure and experience between the two teams.

India enter the contest with a batting lineup packed with proven performers. KL Rahul remains the most experienced batter in the squad, having scored more than 4,000 runs in Test cricket. Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has also established himself as a key player in the middle order with several match-winning performances. Gill, meanwhile, carries the responsibility of leading a new generation of Indian cricketers and is expected to play a central role both as captain and batter.

Experience Gap Evident

Afghanistan’s batting unit will largely depend on captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and senior batter Rahmat Shah. Both players have contributed significantly to Afghanistan’s Test journey, but beyond them, the squad lacks extensive red-ball experience.

Reports suggest that the absence of some of Afghanistan’s most recognized names has further reduced the team's experience level. As a result, younger players will have an opportunity to prove themselves against one of the strongest Test sides in world cricket.

The contrast becomes even more pronounced when bowling records are compared. Afghanistan’s current squad has collected only 13 Test wickets collectively, whereas Indian bowlers have accounted for 281 wickets.

India's Bowling Strength

Fast bowler Mohammed Siraj leads India's attack with 139 Test wickets, a figure that is more than ten times the total wickets taken by the current Afghanistan squad. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav has also emerged as a reliable wicket-taking option and provides India with variety in the bowling department.

According to team management indications, India may experiment with combinations involving two specialist fast bowlers, one frontline spinner, and multiple all-rounders. The move is believed to be part of long-term planning ahead of future overseas assignments and major ICC competitions.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, will view the match as an opportunity to test themselves against elite opposition. The team has shown steady progress since making its Test debut and continues to gain valuable experience with every international outing.

Officials and cricket analysts believe the fixture could provide important lessons for Afghanistan's developing red-ball structure while allowing India to assess new tactical options. The match is also expected to attract significant attention from fans eager to see how Afghanistan compete against one of the world's leading Test teams.

Looking ahead, the contest could serve as a benchmark for Afghanistan's future growth in Test cricket. For India, it represents another step in strengthening squad depth and identifying combinations that can succeed in upcoming international challenges.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is preparing to discuss a major expansion of the World Test Championship (WTC), with the number of participating teams likely to increase from nine to 12 in future cycles. The proposal has been recommended by an ICC working group led by former New Zealand cricketer Roger Twose. The move is aimed at providing more opportunities to emerging Test-playing nations including Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe.

Working Group Recommendations

According to reports, the ICC had formed the working group last year to evaluate possible structural reforms for the World Test Championship. The panel has now suggested expanding participation and making the competition more inclusive for full-member nations currently outside the regular WTC structure. At present, only nine teams compete in the championship cycle.

More Teams May Get Opportunity

If approved, the revised structure could allow teams like Afghanistan, Ireland and Zimbabwe to compete regularly in the WTC for the first time. Cricket administrators believe the change could help strengthen Test cricket globally and encourage smaller nations to invest more in the longest format of the game. The proposal is also being viewed as an effort to balance the competitive gap between established and emerging cricket nations.

ICC Meetings Scheduled

The ICC Chief Executives Committee (CEC) is expected to discuss the proposal during a virtual meeting scheduled for May 21. Following that, the ICC Board will hold an in-person meeting in Ahmedabad on May 30 and 31 during the IPL final weekend. The discussions are expected to focus on the future structure of Test cricket, scheduling challenges and financial implications of expansion.

Final Decision Likely in July

A final decision on the proposed WTC expansion could be taken during the ICC Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Edinburgh, Scotland, in July. The AGM will take place after the conclusion of the Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in England from June 12 to July 5. Sources indicated that member boards are currently evaluating the long-term impact of increasing participation in the championship.

One-Test Series Proposal

The ICC working group has also recommended including one-match Test series in the WTC points system. Under the current format, a bilateral series must consist of at least two Test matches to be counted in the World Test Championship standings. If implemented, the proposed change could help smaller cricket boards host more meaningful Test matches without the financial burden of organising longer series.

Current WTC Cycle Unchanged

Despite the recommendations, reports suggest that the ongoing WTC structure is likely to remain unchanged until the 2027–29 cycle. The fourth cycle of the World Test Championship is currently underway, and major structural reforms may only be introduced afterward. Under the present format, the nine participating teams play six bilateral series over two years — three at home and three away.

England to Host 2027 Final

The current ICC Future Tours Programme (FTP) will conclude in March next year. The next World Test Championship final is scheduled to be played in England in June 2027. England has hosted all WTC finals so far, including the inaugural final won by New Zealand national cricket team.

Venue Shift for ICC Meetings

The ICC’s quarterly meetings were initially planned in Doha, Qatar. However, the venue was shifted to Ahmedabad due to regional security concerns and tensions in West Asia. The venue change has also drawn attention because of uncertainty surrounding the participation of Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

PCB Chairman’s Visit Uncertain

With political relations between India and Pakistan remaining sensitive, it is still unclear whether Mohsin Naqvi will travel to India for the ICC meetings or join virtually. The matter is being closely watched by cricket administrators as the meetings are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of international Test cricket.

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Cricket's Biggest Afghan Stars Break Silence as Tragedy Unfolds in Kabul

When a hospital burns during the holiest night of Ramadan, even cricketers cannot stay silent.

Afghan cricket superstar Rashid Khan, along with several members of the Afghanistan cricket team, took to social media to slam Pakistan after civilian casualties were reported in Kabul as a result of Pakistani airstrikes. Their words carry weight far beyond the cricket pitch — because what happened on the night of March 16 in Kabul is not just a geopolitical event. It is a humanitarian catastrophe that has shaken the conscience of an entire nation.

What Happened: A Hospital Struck During Ramadan

Pakistan carried out heavy bombardment targeting Afghanistan's capital, Kabul, with Taliban officials and residents reporting multiple explosions across the city.

Deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Hamdullah Fitrat, confirmed that the Pakistani military carried out an airstrike at approximately 9:00 PM on the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a 2,000-bed facility dedicated to treating drug addiction. As a result, large sections of the hospital were destroyed, and rescue teams worked through the night to control the fire and recover bodies.

The death toll from the Kabul airstrike has reportedly risen to more than 400, with around 250 others injured. The Sunday Guardian Pakistan, however, denied striking any hospital. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that the strikes were aimed only at infrastructure allegedly used by the Afghan Taliban regime to support terror proxies.

The truth on the ground tells a very different story.

Rashid Khan Speaks: "A War Crime, Plain and Simple"

Rashid Khan called the alleged Kabul airstrike a war crime, stating that any attack on civilian infrastructure — whether deliberate or accidental — is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Zee News He urged the United Nations and human rights agencies to launch a thorough investigation and hold those responsible to account.

His words were not diplomatic. They were human. That is what makes them powerful.

Mohammad Nabi and Teammates Add Their Voices

Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi accused the Pakistani military regime of murdering young men who were undergoing treatment at the hospital, noting that mothers waited outside the gates calling for their sons on the 28th night of Ramadan.

Afghanistan pacer Naveen Ul Haq took it further, comparing the current Pakistani regime's actions to those of Israel in the ongoing Middle East conflict, stating he found it hard to see any difference between the two.

Afghanistan T20I captain Ibrahim Zadran also reacted, saying he heard a massive explosion in Kabul and watched flames rise from the hospital into the sky — and that the brothers who intended to fast that morning were now gone or wounded.

Why This Matters Beyond Cricket

These are not just athletes venting emotion. These are public figures with millions of followers worldwide using their platform to demand accountability — something governments have been slow to deliver.

The conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan has been escalating since late February, beginning with cross-border strikes in Nangarhar and Paktika, later expanding to major cities including Kabul, Kandahar, and Gardez, targeting command centres and strategic locations.

On March 14, India also condemned the strikes, with the Ministry of External Affairs calling it an act of aggression and stating that Afghanistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected.

The international community can no longer treat this as a bilateral border dispute. When a 2,000-bed hospital is reduced to rubble during Ramadan, the world must respond.

The Bigger Picture: Sport as a Mirror of Conflict

Athletes speaking out against war is not new — but it is always significant. Rashid Khan is not just Afghanistan's greatest cricketer. He is the country's most recognisable face globally. When he calls something a war crime, the world listens in a way that press releases from Kabul cannot achieve.

The Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Pakistan had once again violated Afghan territory and called the strikes a crime and an act of inhumanity. The Tribune But it is voices like Rashid's — free from the shadow of political affiliation — that carry the most moral authority right now.

What Needs to Happen Now

The immediate demands from Afghan cricketers and the Afghan government are clear:

• A full, independent UN investigation into the Kabul hospital strike
• International accountability for attacks on civilian medical infrastructure
• An immediate ceasefire between Pakistan and Afghanistan
• Transparent reporting of the true civilian casualty numbers

The Kabul airstrike that killed 400 people at a hospital during Ramadan is a defining moment for South Asia. Afghanistan's cricketers have spoken with clarity and courage. Now it is time for the world's institutions to match that courage with action.

The people of Afghanistan — as Rashid Khan said — shall rise. The question is whether the world will stand with them.

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.