ICC T20 World Cup: South Africa Edge Afghanistan in Epic Double Super Over Thriller in Ahmedabad
South Africa beat Afghanistan in a dramatic double Super Over clash in Group D of the ICC T20 World Cup at Narendra Modi Stadium after both teams were tied at 187.
Ahmedabad: South Africa pulled off one of the most dramatic wins of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, defeating Afghanistan in a gripping double Super Over contest in their Group D clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Wednesday.
In a match that swung wildly till the final ball, both sides were locked at 187, forcing a rare Super Over — and then another — before the Proteas sealed a thrilling victory.
Put in to bat, South Africa rode on collective contributions to post a competitive 187 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. The innings was built around timely partnerships and late acceleration, setting Afghanistan a stiff target under the afternoon heat in Ahmedabad.
Afghanistan’s chase was equally spirited. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led from the front with an aggressive knock, while the middle order chipped in to keep the asking rate within reach. With wickets falling at crucial intervals, Afghanistan still managed to level the scores before being bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs, dragging the contest into a Super Over.
The first Super Over only added to the drama. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai and Gurbaz combined to hammer 17 runs, putting pressure back on the Proteas. South Africa’s reply seemed to be slipping away before Tristan Stubbs produced a moment of brilliance, launching a six off the final ball to tie the Super Over and force a second one.
In the decisive Super Over, South Africa turned the screws. David Miller showcased his big-match temperament, smashing two towering sixes, while Stubbs added another as the Proteas piled up a daunting 23 runs.
Afghanistan refused to go down without a fight. Gurbaz struck three successive boundaries to keep hopes alive, bringing the equation within reach. But left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj held his nerve under immense pressure, picking up a wicket off the final delivery to seal a memorable win for South Africa.
The result gives South Africa crucial points in Group D and underlines their reputation for high-intensity finishes in global tournaments. For Afghanistan, it was a heartbreaking loss after pushing one of the tournament heavyweights to the brink in a contest that will be remembered as one of the finest thrillers of the edition.