Ahmedabad witnessed one of the most dramatic encounters in T20 World Cup history on Wednesday. South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a heart stopping contest that required two Super Overs to separate the sides.
The Group D clash saw both teams tied at 187 runs after their respective 20 overs, and then tied again at 17 runs apiece in the first Super Over. It was only in the second tiebreaker that the Proteas finally broke Afghan resistance to seal a crucial victory.
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early moisture or nerves in the South African camp. His decision appeared vindicated almost immediately when Fazalhaq Farooqi removed South African skipper Aiden Markram for just five runs in the third over. However, the early breakthrough did not trigger the collapse Afghanistan hoped for. instead, it brought Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton together for a partnership that would define the first half of the innings.
De Kock and Rickelton counterattacked with ferocity. They dismantled the Afghan seamers and unsettled the spinners with aggressive sweeping and precise footwork. De Kock compiled a fluent 59 off 41 balls, while Rickelton was even more explosive, smashing 61 off just 28 deliveries.
Their stand propelled South Africa to a commanding position, but the introduction of Rashid Khan into the attack changed the complexion of the innings. The Afghan leg spinner struck in the 13th over, removing both set batters in quick succession to spark a middle order wobble.
South Africa slipped from 126 for 1 to 159 for 5 as the Afghan spinners tightened the screws. It seemed the Proteas might fall short of a par score, but David Miller and Marco Jansen had other ideas. The pair unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the final three overs, looting runs to lift the total to a formidable 187 for 6.
Chasing 188 for victory, Afghanistan began their reply with intent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the architect of their chase, scoring a blistering half century that kept the required run rate within reach. He found the boundaries with ease, punishing anything short or wide.
However, much like the South African innings, the dismissal of the set batter triggered a slide. Lungi Ngidi returned for a devastating spell, claiming four wickets to rip through the Afghan middle order.
Despite the collapse, the lower order refused to yield. With 24 runs needed off the final two overs, the game hung in the balance. Late hitting dragged Afghanistan to the brink of victory, but they lost their final wicket on the fourth ball of the 20th over with the scores level at 187. The match moved to a Super Over.
The first Super Over was a tense affair that solved nothing. Both teams managed exactly 17 runs, matching each other shot for shot. The tension in Ahmedabad was palpable as the players prepared for a rare second Super Over. South Africa batted first this time and threw caution to the wind. Powered by clean hitting, they posted a massive 23 runs without losing a wicket.
Afghanistan needed 24 to win but finally ran out of steam. The pressure of the chase proved too much against disciplined South African bowling. They managed 19 runs but lost two wickets in the process, handing South Africa a victory that will be remembered for years.
The win strengthens South Africa’s position in Group D, while Afghanistan will rue a missed opportunity to topple a heavyweight in a match they arguably should have closed out in regulation time. The Proteas showed nerves of steel when it mattered most.
