South Africa 187 for 6 (Rickelton 61, de Kock 59, Omarzai 3-41, Rashid 2-28) beat Afghanistan 187 (Gurbaz 84, Ngidi 3-26) in the Super Over
Ahmedabad, February 11, 2026 – Afghanistan came agonisingly close to toppling South Africa in one of the most dramatic matches in T20 World Cup history, only to fall short after a double Super Over in Ahmedabad. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the star for Afghanistan, blasting a breathtaking 84 off 42 balls, but even his heroics couldn’t prevent a heartbreaking defeat.
The match was a rollercoaster from start to finish. South Africa posted 187 for 6, powered by half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (59), while Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Omarzai (3-41) and Rashid Khan (2-28), tried to keep the chase under control. Afghanistan matched them run for run, finishing regulation time also on 187, setting the stage for an unprecedented first Super Over.
The drama escalated in the final over of regulation when Afghanistan needed 13 runs with just one wicket remaining. Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls, giving Afghanistan a lifeline, and a running error allowed the match to be tied. South Africa seemed done and dusted, but a last-ball six from Tristan Stubbs forced a second Super Over.
The second Super Over was a spectacular display of power-hitting. Gurbaz hit three consecutive sixes to bring Afghanistan within striking distance, needing just four runs off the last ball after a wide from Keshav Maharaj. But fate cruelly intervened: Gurbaz sliced the final delivery straight to point, ending Afghanistan’s hopes.
The match was a showcase of skill from both sides. Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi swung the new ball brilliantly, removing Aiden Markram early, while Rashid Khan sparked a comeback with the wickets of Rickelton and de Kock, reducing South Africa to 126 for 3. However, Rickelton and de Kock’s destructive partnership put South Africa back in control.
Afghanistan’s batting was led by Gurbaz, who toyed with South Africa’s bowlers, taking on Lungi Ngidi, George Linde, and Marco Jansen with audacious shots over the infield. Omarzai and the tail worked tirelessly, keeping the chase alive despite the steep required run-rate, turning the match into one of the tournament’s most memorable contests.
For South Africa, Rickelton and de Kock’s fifty-plus partnership was crucial, while Ngidi, Maharaj, and Rabada executed key overs under immense pressure. The match’s chaotic finish highlighted the margins in T20 cricket, where a few inches can make the difference between victory and heartbreak.
This defeat leaves Afghanistan needing more than wins against the UAE and Canada to progress beyond the group stage, while South Africa survive the “group of death,” breathing new life into their campaign. Despite the loss, Gurbaz’s performance was a statement of intent: Afghanistan are a team capable of producing moments of sheer brilliance, even against the tournament favourites.
