South Africa survived one of the most extraordinary contests in T20 World Cup history, edging Afghanistan in a double Super Over thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium to leave Rashid Khan’s side staring at an early exit.
187 plays 187 — and still not enough
It began with 187 apiece after 20 overs. Then came 17 apiece in the first Super Over. Finally, after a second nerve-shredding tie-breaker, the Proteas held their nerve to clinch victory by five runs in a match that simply refused to end. Afghanistan came within touching distance of their first-ever ICC win over South Africa — only to watch it slip away in agonising fashion.
Stubbs forces second Super Over
South Africa were on the brink in the first Super Over, needing seven off the final ball. Tristan Stubbs kept them alive, launching Fazalhaq Farooqi over the ropes to drag the contest into a second Super Over.
In the decider, the Proteas piled up 23 runs, with Stubbs and David Miller clearing the ropes under immense pressure. Afghanistan needed 24 to pull off history. Keshav Maharaj struck early, dismissing Mohammad Nabi. But Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who had already lit up the evening, nearly turned it around single-handedly.
Six.
Six.
Six.
With six needed off the final ball for a famous win, Gurbaz went for one more big hit — only to find a fielder in the deep. South Africa escaped. Afghanistan were left shattered.
Gurbaz brilliance goes in vain
Earlier, Gurbaz had powered Afghanistan’s chase of 188 with a magnificent 84, taking apart South Africa’s pace attack and keeping the required rate under control despite wickets falling at the other end. Afghanistan raced to 50 in four overs before Lungi Ngidi swung momentum back with two key strikes. Rashid Khan later contributed a crucial cameo, and late drama in the final over — including no-balls and a run-out — forced the first Super Over.
Rashid sparks comeback earlier
South Africa’s innings had its own twists. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton set up a strong platform, taking the score past 120 inside 12 overs. Just when it looked like a 200-plus total was on the cards, Rashid Khan turned the match with a double strike, removing both set batters. Afghanistan tightened the screws, but a late assault from Marco Jansen and David Miller lifted South Africa to 187/6.
A heartbreak that could cost Afghanistan
Afghanistan had revenge on their minds after being knocked out by South Africa in the 2024 semi-final. They had never beaten the Proteas in an ICC event — and this was their golden chance. Instead, they are now on the brink of elimination from the Super 8 race. For South Africa, it was another chapter in their history of dramatic thrillers against Asian opposition. This time, they were on the right side of the chaos.
For Afghanistan, it was heartbreak — the kind that lingers long after the crowd has gone home.
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