Double Super Over Thriller: South Africa Edge Afghanistan in T20 World Cup Classic
Afghanistan endured one of the most agonising defeats in T20 history as South Africa prevailed in a dramatic second Super Over during their T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage clash.
In a contest that swung wildly until the final ball, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nearly scripted an unforgettable heist while chasing 24 runs in the second Super Over.
The Afghan opener smashed three consecutive sixes and brought his side within touching distance before falling on the fourth delivery, five runs short of what would have been a stunning victory.
First Super Over: Afghanistan Set the Tone
The first Super Over of the tournament delivered instant fireworks.
South Africa entrusted Lungi Ngidi with the ball, while Afghanistan relied on Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for the big hits.
Omarzai launched the assault immediately, striking a four and a six off the opening two deliveries before rotating the strike.
Gurbaz chipped in with a single, and fortune smiled on Afghanistan when a mistimed heave from Omarzai resulted in a dropped catch by Kagiso Rabada, turning into a boundary.
Afghanistan closed the over at 17, setting South Africa a target of 18.
In reply, South Africa sent out David Miller and Dewald Brevis, with Fazalhaq Farooqi bowling. Brevis cleared the ropes after Miller could manage only a single.
However, Brevis soon departed, undone by a clever slower-ball bouncer.
Enter Tristan Stubbs. After edging a boundary and playing out a dot, South Africa needed seven off the final ball. Stubbs rose to the moment, launching a six to tie the scores and force a second Super Over.
Second Super Over: South Africa Raise the Stakes
With bowling restrictions in place, Omarzai was handed the ball for Afghanistan. Stubbs wasted no time, smashing a six first up.
Miller then joined the party, hammering towering blows — including a 95-metre strike — as South Africa piled on 23 runs, setting a daunting target of 24.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj was tasked with defending the total. Afghanistan’s hopes dimmed when Mohammad Nabi fell early.
But Gurbaz refused to surrender.
With 24 required from four balls, he unleashed three monstrous sixes in succession, igniting belief.
A wide from Maharaj added to the tension, leaving Afghanistan within one big hit of forcing yet another Super Over. However, Gurbaz perished on the final delivery, sealing a heartbreaking defeat.
Context of the Clash
The encounter carried high stakes.
Afghanistan entered the fixture under pressure after losing their tournament opener to the New Zealand national cricket team, making it a must-win contest. South Africa, meanwhile, had begun their campaign with a victory over Canada national cricket team.
With only the top two teams from each group advancing to the Super 8 stage, the result significantly boosted South Africa’s qualification hopes while leaving Afghanistan facing an uphill battle.
Both sides made one change to their playing XI. South Africa brought in left-arm spinner George Linde in place of Corbin Bosch, while Afghanistan included wrist spinner Noor Ahmad instead of Ziaur Rahman.
In a tournament already brimming with drama, this double Super Over spectacle will be remembered as one of the most gripping contests — a night where margins were razor-thin, and nerves were tested to their absolute limits.
(With inputs from AP)
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