South Africa survived one of the most dramatic nights in T20 World Cup history, edging Afghanistan in a breathtaking double Super Over contest in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The match twisted and turned endlessly, refusing to end even when it seemed certain to do so. In the end, it took two Super Overs and the final ball to separate the sides in a contest that will be remembered for years.
Chasing 188, Afghanistan refused to surrender. With 13 required off the final over and only one wicket in hand, the match looked finished on the very first delivery when Kagiso Rabada had Noor Ahmad caught at cover. South Africa celebrated briefly, but the joy vanished instantly — Rabada had overstepped. It was a no-ball, and Afghanistan had life.
The tension only intensified. Noor smashed a six. Another Rabada overstep added further drama. Every ball felt decisive. Eventually, Afghanistan managed to tie the scores, forcing the game into a Super Over.
In the first Super Over, Afghanistan set 17 without losing a wicket. It was competitive but not overwhelming. South Africa’s reply seemed to falter until the final delivery. With seven needed off the last ball and Tristan Stubbs yet to face a delivery, the young batter stepped up under immense pressure. He launched Fazalhaq Farooqi straight down the ground for a stunning six, tying the Super Over and sending the contest into uncharted territory — a second Super Over.
South Africa batted first in the second Super Over and raised the bar to 23 without loss. David Miller and Stubbs capitalized on Azmatullah Omarzai’s missed lengths, punishing anything loose. Afghanistan’s target was 24.
The chase began poorly. Mohammad Nabi fell early, and two dot balls increased the strain. South Africa needed just one more dot to seal the match. But Rahmanullah Gurbaz had other plans. The Afghan opener, who had already dazzled with an 84 off 42 balls during the main chase, struck three consecutive sixes to drag his team back into contention. Suddenly, six were needed off the final ball.
Keshav Maharaj attempted to bowl wide of Gurbaz’s hitting arc but first delivered an actual wide, briefly opening the door to the possibility of yet another tie. On the final legitimate ball, Gurbaz swung hard but found David Miller at point. South Africa had finally closed out the contest, winning by four runs in the second Super Over.
Afghanistan may look back at key decisions that shaped the outcome. Rashid Khan, their premier spinner, did not bowl in either Super Over. The second Super Over, in particular, proved costly as Omarzai struggled under pressure. Sending Nabi to open in the final Super Over also failed to deliver the desired impact. Yet Afghanistan’s fighting spirit was undeniable. They stretched one of the tournament favorites to the absolute limit.
Earlier, Gurbaz had laid the foundation for the chase with a breathtaking knock. He attacked from the outset, smashing boundaries in the PowerPlay and taking on South Africa’s pace attack without hesitation. Afghanistan raced to 50 inside four overs before Lungi Ngidi pulled things back with clever slower deliveries. Wickets fell, but Gurbaz kept the momentum alive until Maharaj dismissed him just as he threatened a century.
South Africa’s innings had been built on a commanding partnership between Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. De Kock scored 59 while Rickelton blasted 61 in just 23 deliveries to reach his half-century. The pair punished Noor Ahmad severely, taking 23 runs in one over and shifting the momentum firmly in South Africa’s favor. Although Rashid Khan struck twice to break the partnership, late boundaries from Marco Jansen and David Miller pushed the total to 187 for 6 — a score that proved just enough.
Rabada endured a rollercoaster evening. His no-balls nearly cost South Africa the match, yet he remained involved in critical moments, including the tense run-out opportunity late in the chase. It was a performance marked by both errors and resilience.
South Africa now register their second win of the tournament and carry forward valuable momentum. Afghanistan, despite suffering their second defeat, walk away with pride. They demonstrated composure, power, and belief against one of the strongest sides in world cricket.
The brief scores tell only part of the story. South Africa made 187 for 6, with Rickelton scoring 61 and De Kock 59. Afghanistan replied with 187 in 19.4 overs, powered by Gurbaz’s 84. The first Super Over ended tied at 17 each. In the second Super Over, South Africa posted 23 for no loss, while Afghanistan managed 19 for 2.
This was more than just a match. It was a showcase of nerve, courage, and raw theatre. On a night when cricket refused to provide closure, South Africa finally held their composure and emerged victorious in a contest that will live long in T20 World Cup folklore.