South Africa vs Afghanistan: South Africa defeated Afghanistan by four runs in a second super over after ties in regulation play and the first super over during their Group D match at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, in Ahmedabad, India.
South Africa posted 187-6 in 20 overs before Afghanistan replied with 187 in 19.4 overs. The first super over ended tied at 17 runs each. South Africa then set 23 in the second super over, holding Afghanistan to 19-2.
This result strengthens South Africa’s position in Group D, likely securing their Super Eights spot. For Afghanistan, the loss eliminates their progression chances, highlighting the competitive intensity in South Asian cricket where Afghan performances resonate across the region, including Pakistan and India, fostering regional rivalries and fan engagement.
South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup Match Breakdown
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first at Narendra Modi Stadium. Openers Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton built a solid foundation with a 114-run partnership. De Kock scored 59 off 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Rickelton contributed 61 off 42 balls, with five fours and three sixes.
Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 3-41 for Afghanistan, dismissing de Kock, Aiden Markram for 12, and David Miller for 18. Rashid Khan took 2-28, removing Reeza Hendricks for 4 and Heinrich Klaasen for 15. Tristan Stubbs added 22 not out, helping South Africa reach 187-6.
Afghanistan’s chase started strongly with Rahmanullah Gurbaz scoring 84 off 42 balls, featuring eight fours and six sixes. Ibrahim Zadran supported with 32 off 24. Lungi Ngidi took 3-26, dismissing Zadran, Mohammad Ishaq for 0, and Azmatullah Omarzai for 14.
Kagiso Rabada bowled the final over with Afghanistan needing 11 runs. Two no-balls from Rabada allowed extras, and Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out on the last ball, tying the scores at 187.
Second Super Over T20 World Cup Drama Unfolds
The first super over saw Afghanistan bat first, posting 17-0 with Azmatullah Omarzai scoring 16 off five balls, including two sixes. South Africa replied with 17-1, Tristan Stubbs hitting a six off the last ball to tie it again.
In the second super over T20 World Cup, South Africa batted first. David Miller and Stubbs combined for three sixes, setting 23-0. Keshav Maharaj bowled for South Africa, starting with a wicket and two dot balls.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz then hit three consecutive sixes, reducing the target to six off one ball. A wide from Maharaj made it five needed. Maharaj then dismissed Gurbaz, caught at backward point, sealing the win.
Lungi Ngidi, who bowled the first super over, was named player of the match. “I’ve lost so much weight today. I’ve never been that stressed in my life in a cricket game. Being able to win two super overs with our hitters hitting like that … very happy,” Ngidi said.
David Miller Super Over Heroics Shine
David Miller’s super over performance stood out. In the second super over, Miller struck two sixes, partnering with Stubbs for the formidable total. Miller’s composure under pressure echoed his reputation in high-stakes T20 cricket.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan praised his team’s fight, while South Africa’s captain Aiden Markram highlighted the team’s resilience.
Afghanistan vs South Africa Highlights: Key Moments
Key Afghanistan vs South Africa highlights included Gurbaz’s aggressive 84, which nearly turned the game. His three sixes in the second super over brought Afghanistan close to victory.
Stubbs’ last-ball six in the first super over forced the second. Maharaj’s final delivery wicket ended the thriller.
The match drew widespread attention in South Asia, where Afghanistan’s rise in cricket inspires fans in neighbouring countries. Pakistan and India often follow Afghan matches closely due to shared cultural ties and player exchanges in leagues like the IPL.
Group D standings after this game place South Africa at the top with two wins, following their victory over Canada. Afghanistan, with two losses including to New Zealand, are out of contention for the Super Eights.
Background
The 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, features expanded groups with intense competition. South Africa entered as 2024 runners-up, while Afghanistan aimed to build on their 2024 semi-final appearance.
This Group D encounter was anticipated as a clash between South Africa’s experience and Afghanistan’s spin prowess. Historical head-to-heads favoured South Africa, with wins in previous World Cup meetings.
What’s Next
South Africa face New Zealand next on Saturday, February 14, 2026, aiming to confirm their Super Eights qualification. Afghanistan play Canada on Sunday, February 15, 2026, seeking a consolation win.
The South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup encounter will be remembered for its drama, underscoring the format’s unpredictability.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, February 12th, 2026
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