AHMEDABAD: South Africa defeated Afghanistan in one of the most thrilling matches of the T20 World Cup, clinching victory in a rare second Super Over after both teams were tied in regulation play and the first Super Over.
The Group D clash in Ahmedabad saw both sides score 187 runs in their allotted 20 overs, forcing the match into a Super Over. Afghanistan set 18 runs in the first Super Over, while South Africa managed 17, resulting in yet another tie and pushing the game into a second Super Over.
Batting first in the decisive Super Over, South Africa posted 23 runs. In reply, Afghanistan scored 19 runs, handing the Proteas a dramatic four-run victory.
Earlier, South Africa had scored 187 for six after being invited to bat by Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan, who won the toss. Ryan Rickelton played a crucial knock of 61 runs, while Quinton de Kock added 59. Aiden Markram could only manage five runs.
Afghanistan matched the total, largely due to a brilliant innings by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 84 runs off 42 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai scored 22, Rashid Khan made 20, Darwish Rasooli added 15, while Ibrahim Zadran and Mohammad Nabi contributed 12 and five runs respectively. Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets for South Africa.
The final over of Afghanistan’s innings turned dramatic when Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls and a wide. Noor Ahmad was caught off a delivery that was later declared a no-ball, allowing Afghanistan to level the score at 187 and force a Super Over.
It is worth mentioning that Afghanistan had lost their opening match to New Zealand, while South Africa had defeated Canada by 57 runs. The win strengthens South Africa’s position in Group D, while Afghanistan now face pressure in the remaining fixtures of the tournament.