In one of the most electrifying clashes in T20 World Cup history on Wednesday, South Africa and Afghanistan battled through two heart-stopping Super Overs and relentless drama before South Africa finally clinched a breathtaking 4-run victory in their Group D showdown in Ahmedabad. In a high-scoring battle, two no-balls from Kagiso Rabada in the final over left both teams locked at 187. Earlier, after being put in to bat, South Africa rode on blistering half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock to post a competitive total of 187/6 in 20 overs.
Rickelton scored a major knock of 61 off 28 balls, dismantling Afghanistan’s bowling with four sixes and five boundaries. De Kock, at the other end, blasted 59 off 41 balls to guide the side to a challenging total. Chasing the target, Afghanistan's attack was spearheaded by the explosive opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who produced a masterclass knock, blazing 84 off 42 balls.
Gurbaz's knock dominated the South African attack to keep Afghanistan in the hunt throughout the chase. In the 20th over, experienced bowler Kagiso Rabada found himself under immense pressure, bowling two costly no-balls that handed Afghanistan an unexpected lifeline. The drama unfolded when a run-out occurred off a free-hit delivery, which helped South Africa bowl Afghanistan out for 187 in 19.4 overs. In the first Super Over, Afghanistan, batting first, posted 17/0. Azmatullah Omarzai delivered under pressure, blasting 16 unbeaten runs from five balls, while Gurbaz managed a single and remained not out. South Africa, in reply, began shakily as Dewald Brevis fell early, though he launched a six to keep South Africa alive. Tristan Stubbs, meanwhile, stepped up, smashing 10 unbeaten to level the scores, forcing a second Super Over. Batting first in the second Super Over, South Africa posted 23/0, with David Miller slamming 16 off 4 balls and Tristan Stubbs 7 from 2 deliveries. Chasing 24 for victory, Afghanistan fought hard but could only muster 19/2 in an over.