A remarkable T20 World Cup match concluded in Ahmedabad on Wednesday as South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a second super over after a contest filled with twists, and turns. The Proteas ultimately prevailed, but only after a series of dramatic events that saw the match tied multiple times, including a double super over.
The initial stages of the match saw South Africa post a total of 6/187, built around half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (59). Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/41.
Afghanistan’s response was led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored 84 off 42 balls. The chase went down to the wire, with a controversial moment occurring in the final over. With Afghanistan needing 12 runs to win off the last over, Kagiso Rabada appeared to have secured the victory by dismissing Noor Ahmed. Although, replays revealed a no-ball, extending the game. Further drama unfolded as Rabada overstepped again, gifting Afghanistan another free hit. A mix-up in running then led to the run out of Fazalhaq Farooqi, forcing a super over.
The first super over saw both teams score 17 runs. Tristan Stubbs played a crucial role for South Africa, hitting a six off the final ball to level the scores. Dewald Brevis as well contributed with a six earlier in the over before being dismissed.
The second super over proved equally tense. Gurbaz launched Keshav Maharaj for three consecutive sixes, putting immense pressure on South Africa. Maharaj then bowled a wide, reducing the target to five runs off one ball. Maharaj recovered to bowl another yorker, and Gurbaz’s resulting shot was caught at point, sealing the victory for South Africa.
The match was punctuated by several key moments of individual brilliance and errors. Omarzai’s earlier bowling performance and Gurbaz’s explosive batting were countered by Stubbs’ clutch hitting in the first super over and Maharaj’s composure in the decisive second super over. A dropped catch by Rabada of Omarzai earlier in the game also added to the drama.
Afghanistan’s defeat complicates their chances of progressing from the Group D stage, particularly after having reached the Super 8s in the previous edition of the tournament. New Zealand’s strong start to the tournament, with two wins already, adds to the pressure on Afghanistan to secure victories in their remaining matches.