South Africa survived the T20 World Cup’s so-called “group of death” after beating Afghanistan in a dramatic match decided by a rare double Super Over, leaving Rahmanullah Gurbaz and his team heartbroken.
The match ended in a tie at 187-187 in regulation time. The first Super Over also finished level at 17-17. South Africa finally clinched victory in the second Super Over by 23-19.
South Africa posted 187 for 6, with Ryan Rickelton scoring 61 and Quinton de Kock 59. Afghanistan matched the total, led by Gurbaz’s brilliant 84 off 42 balls. Lungi Ngidi took 3 for 26, while Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 3 for 41.
South Africa appeared set to win in regulation time when Afghanistan needed 13 runs from the final over with one wicket left. Kagiso Rabada, however, bowled two no-balls, and a costly running error allowed Afghanistan to tie the match, forcing the Super Over.
In the first Super Over, Omarzai hit a six and two fours off Ngidi to set South Africa a target of 18. Afghanistan nearly defended it, but Tristan Stubbs struck a last-ball six to force a second Super Over.
South Africa then posted 23 in the second Super Over, with Stubbs and David Miller capitalising on loose deliveries. Afghanistan needed 24 to stay alive in the contest. Gurbaz again rose to the occasion, hitting three sixes, but with a four required off the final delivery after a wide, he sliced the ball straight to point, ending Afghanistan’s hopes.
A few metres either side, Afghanistan could have forced a third Super Over and taken another chance at beating South Africa in T20 internationals for the first time. Instead, the loss leaves them needing more than wins against UAE and Canada to progress from the group.
Earlier, Afghanistan opted for a spin-heavy attack on a pitch offering grip, but Rickelton and de Kock countered superbly. The pair added 114 runs in just over 10 overs, both reaching half-centuries in the same over. Rashid Khan struck back by dismissing both batters in one over, bringing Afghanistan back into the contest.
Despite a strong middle-overs fightback, South Africa managed only 63 runs in the final 7.3 overs, finishing on 187. Gurbaz then produced a stunning chase, attacking pace and spin alike, and keeping Afghanistan in the hunt until the very end.
Ngidi was named Player of the Match for his disciplined use of slower balls, while South Africa’s bowlers and fielders held their nerve when it mattered most.
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