South Africa clinched a sensational victory over Afghanistan after two dramatic Super Overs in a gripping T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. In a match where momentum shifted almost every over, South Africa prevailed by the finest of margins after both sides were tied at 187 in regulation play.
Put in to bat first, South Africa posted 187/6 in their 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton led the charge with a fluent 61, while Quinton de Kock struck 59 at the top, laying a solid foundation. Afghanistan’s bowlers fought back in the middle overs, but South Africa’s total looked competitive on a batting-friendly surface.
Afghanistan’s reply was powered by a stunning 84 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who kept the chase alive with fearless strokeplay. The match took a dramatic turn in the final over when Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls, offering Afghanistan a lifeline. But despite the late twist, Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 in 19.5 overs, forcing the contest into a Super Over.
The first Super Over was chaos. Lungi Ngidi, who had taken three wickets in the regular match, conceded 17 runs as Azmatullah Omarzai smashed two sixes and a four. South Africa appeared cornered, but Tristan Stubbs held his nerve. With everything riding on the final ball, Stubbs launched a maximum to level the scores again and push the match into a rare second Super Over.
In the decider, Stubbs and David Miller turned the tide emphatically. Facing Omarzai, they hammered three sixes between them to rack up 24 runs, a daunting target under pressure. Afghanistan’s hopes rested again on Gurbaz. Needing four sixes off the last four balls, he nearly scripted the impossible with three consecutive maximums. The crowd sensed history. But on the final delivery, he fell attempting one last big hit, sealing South Africa’s dramatic win.
The result leaves Afghanistan with two losses in two Group D games, denting their qualification hopes. Meanwhile, South Africa joins New Zealand at the top with two wins from two, firmly in control of their semi-final destiny.
In a tournament defined by fine margins, this match will be remembered not just for the numbers, 187, 17, 24, but for the courage and composure shown when the pressure was at its peak.
