Ahmedabad / Web Desk: In a thrilling ICC T20 World Cup Group D encounter, South Africa defeated Afghanistan by four runs in a second super over after both teams scored 187 runs in the regulation 20 overs. The nail-biting contest took place at Sardar Patel Stadium, Ahmedabad, delivering high drama for cricket fans.
Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to field first. South Africa’s innings began with Adam Markram and Quinton de Kock. Markram was dismissed early for 12, caught off Fazalhaq Farooqi, but de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen steadied the innings. Both batsmen went on to score half-centuries in the same over, with de Kock finishing on 59 and van der Dussen scoring 61. David Miller added 20 runs, while Dewald Brevis contributed 23 before being dismissed. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omar Zai took three wickets, and Rashid Khan claimed two.
In response, Afghanistan opened with Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran. Despite a promising start, Afghanistan lost five wickets within 13 balls, restricting their momentum. Gurbaz played a dazzling innings, hitting 87 runs off 42 balls including 7 sixes and 4 fours, while Azmatullah Omar Zai and Rashid Khan scored 22 and 20, respectively. South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi picked up three wickets. Afghanistan was all out for 187 in the final over, setting the stage for a super over showdown.
The first super over ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 17 runs. In the second super over, South Africa batted first, posting 23 runs. Afghanistan managed only 19 runs in reply, handing the Proteas a 4-run victory in one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far.
This victory gave South Africa momentum after their convincing win against Canada, while Afghanistan continues to recover from their opening defeat to New Zealand. The match highlighted the growing competitiveness of T20 cricket and underscored the significance of big-hitting and strategic bowling in high-pressure scenarios.
