South Africa Edge Afghanistan in Epic Double Super Over Thriller at Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Feb 2026 : Cricket fans at the Narendra Modi Stadium witnessed one of the most dramatic encounters in T20 World Cup history as South Africa outlasted Afghanistan in a nerve-shredding Group D clash that went into not one, but two super overs. After 40 overs of high-octane cricket and two tense tie-breakers, the Proteas finally emerged victorious in a contest that will be remembered for its intensity, individual brilliance, and relentless momentum swings.

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to field, hoping early morning conditions would assist his bowlers. The decision initially paid dividends as Fazalhaq Farooqi provided an early breakthrough, deceiving South Africa skipper Aiden Markram with a clever slower delivery to remove him cheaply. The Afghan bowlers kept things tight in the opening overs, extracting movement and bounce to frustrate the batters.

However, South Africa soon seized control through a blistering partnership between left-handers Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickleton. The duo counterattacked with authority, dismantling Afghanistan’s bowling attack with clean strokeplay and smart placement. Together, they added 116 runs in just 61 balls, completely shifting the momentum.

De Kock played the anchor’s role to perfection, reaching his half-century with a trademark pull shot and finishing with a composed 59 off 41 deliveries. At the other end, Rickleton was in devastating form, smashing 61 off just 28 balls, laced with five boundaries and four towering sixes. Rashid Khan briefly pulled things back by dismissing both batters in quick succession, but the damage had already been done.

Late cameos from Dewald Brevis, who struck a rapid 23, and David Miller’s unbeaten 20 ensured South Africa closed their innings strongly at 187 for 6 — a competitive total on a surface offering true bounce.

Afghanistan’s chase began in explosive fashion, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who came out swinging from the first over. The opener tore into the South African pace attack, hammering two fours and three sixes as Afghanistan raced to 50 inside four overs. Just when the Afghans looked in complete control, the Proteas struck back sharply.

Lungi Ngidi delivered a crucial double blow, clean-bowling Ibrahim Zadran and dismissing Gulbadin Naib, while Kagiso Rabada removed Sediqullah Atal to reduce Afghanistan from 51 without loss to 52 for three. Gurbaz, however, was undeterred. Playing one of the finest innings of his career, he brought up a stunning 26-ball fifty, peppering the stands with seven sixes and four boundaries.

At the halfway mark, Afghanistan stood at 93 for three, firmly in the hunt. George Linde eventually ended Gurbaz’s breathtaking knock, but Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan kept Afghanistan in the contest with crucial contributions. The match boiled down to the final over, with 13 runs required for victory.

Rabada’s over began chaotically with a no-ball and a wide, swinging momentum back to Afghanistan. But a sharp run-out on the final delivery meant scores were tied at 187, sending the match into a super over.

In the first super over, Afghanistan batted first. Azmatullah Omarzai led the charge, launching a massive six over long-off and finding the boundary again with clever placement. Along with Gurbaz, he piled on 17 runs, setting South Africa a challenging target.

The Proteas responded with equal aggression. Dewald Brevis launched Farooqi for a huge six, while Tristan Stubbs showed nerves of steel, finding the boundary to level the scores once again. With both teams locked at 17, the contest moved into a rare second super over.

South Africa batted first this time, sending out David Miller and Tristan Stubbs. Stubbs began with a sensational six over deep mid-wicket, before rotating the strike. Miller then took over, displaying his trademark calm under pressure. He smashed back-to-back sixes with effortless power and finished the over with a smartly run two, propelling South Africa to an imposing 23 without loss.

Afghanistan’s chase began with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Mohammad Nabi, but Keshav Maharaj delivered under immense pressure. Nabi fell early, mistiming a lofted shot to David Miller. Gurbaz then produced a final act of brilliance, smashing three consecutive sixes to leave Afghanistan needing just four runs off the last ball.

With the stadium holding its breath, Maharaj held his nerve. On the final delivery, he trapped Gurbaz, sealing a thrilling victory for South Africa and bringing an unforgettable contest to a dramatic close.

The match featured heroic performances from Gurbaz, Rickleton, Miller, and Stubbs, and showcased the drama that makes T20 cricket so compelling. For Afghanistan, it was a heartbreaking loss despite a fearless display. For South Africa, it was a statement win — hard-fought, dramatic, and etched into World Cup folklore.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 187/6 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickleton 61, Quinton de Kock 59; Rashid Khan 2/28)
Afghanistan 187 all out in 19.4 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84; Lungi Ngidi 3/26)

1st Super Over:
Afghanistan 17/0 tied with South Africa 17/1

2nd Super Over:
South Africa 23/0 beat Afghanistan 19/2