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AHMEDABAD: South Africa survived a heart-stopping encounter against Afghanistan to emerge victorious in a match that stretched into two Super Overs in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stage on Wednesday.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan invited South Africa to bat first, but the Proteas made the most of the opportunity, posting a challenging 187-6.
Quinton de Kock led the charge with 59 off 41 balls, including five fours and three sixes, while Ryan Rickelton unleashed a blistering 61 from 28 deliveries, smashing four sixes and five fours.
Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and Rashid Khan claimed two wickets each to keep the chase competitive.
Chasing 188, Afghanistan looked on course for victory thanks to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who produced a sensational 84 off 42 balls, featuring seven sixes and four fours.
However, South Africa’s bowling, spearheaded by Lungi Ngidi, who took three wickets, ensured no other batter could threaten the total.
Afghanistan were eventually pegged back at 187 in 19.4 overs, forcing the first Super Over.
The drama continued in the first Super Over as Afghanistan posted 17 runs, largely thanks to Omarzai’s 16 off five balls.
South Africa matched the total, setting up a second Super Over.
In this decider, David Miller struck 16 off four deliveries to set Afghanistan a target of 24.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz came close to scripting another miracle, hitting 18 runs off four balls, but fell on the final delivery, needing a boundary to tie again. South Africa sealed the win.
The result leaves Afghanistan with a steep climb to reach the Super 8s. The team must now win their remaining two matches convincingly and hope for favourable results elsewhere.
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