In one of the most unforgettable encounters of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a nerve-shredding second Super Over after both teams finished tied at 187 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. What unfolded was not just a cricket match, but a spectacle of power-hitting, pressure moments and extraordinary resilience from both sides.
After Afghanistan elected to bowl, South Africa posted a commanding 187/6 in their 20 overs. Yet, what seemed like a competitive total soon turned into a dramatic saga that required not one, but two Super Overs to decide a winner.
Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock lay the foundation
South Africa’s innings had a shaky start as Aiden Markram fell early for just 5. However, Quinton de Kock steadied the innings with a fluent 59 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. His timing through the off-side kept the scoreboard ticking.
The real acceleration came from Ryan Rickelton, who produced a breathtaking 61 off just 28 deliveries. His five fours and four towering sixes shifted momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour during the middle overs. Dewald Brevis chipped in with 23, while David Miller added a handy 20 to ensure the innings did not lose steam.
In the death overs, Marco Jansen provided a valuable late surge with 16 off just seven balls, pushing the total to a formidable 187.
For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with three wickets, while Rashid Khan picked up two crucial scalps to prevent the total from crossing the 200-mark.
Rahmanulah Gurbaz leads Afghanistan’s fearless chase
Afghanistan’s reply began with fireworks. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played one of the finest knocks of the tournament, smashing 84 off 42 balls with seven massive sixes and four boundaries. He took on the South African pacers fearlessly, dismantling length deliveries and punishing anything short.
However, wickets kept falling at the other end. Ibrahim Zadran made 12, but Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal departed cheaply, putting pressure back on the chase. Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai attempted to rebuild, while Rashid’s brisk 20 off 12 added late impetus.
Despite regular strikes from Lungi Ngidi, who finished with three wickets, Afghanistan stayed in the hunt. With nerves stretched thin and the equation tight in the final over, Afghanistan managed to level the scores at 187 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs, forcing the contest into a Super Over.
First Super Over ends in another tie
Afghanistan batted first in the Super Over and posted 17 runs, setting a stiff target. South Africa responded with equal composure, matching the 17 runs and astonishingly tying the match once again. The crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium could barely believe what they were witnessing.
Second Super Over delivers ultimate drama
With tension at its peak, South Africa batted first in the second Super Over and produced a blistering 23 runs, swinging momentum back in their favour. Afghanistan needed something extraordinary — and Gurbaz almost delivered it.
He launched three consecutive sixes, reducing the equation to six runs needed off the final ball. The stadium held its breath as the last delivery was bowled. Keshav Maharaj, entrusted with the responsibility, kept his nerve under immense pressure and dismissed Gurbaz on the final ball, sealing a dramatic victory for the Proteas.
Here’s how fans reacted:
What a game …!! SAvsAFG 🔥
— Faf Du Plessis (@faf1307) February 11, 2026
📍Ahmedabad pic.twitter.com/o2ZcXA0qTj
— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) February 11, 2026
Never saw one head height bouncer or slower ball go for six today .. not one but keep going full yes 🙄
— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 11, 2026
#SAvAFG game right now! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ZL4qWFHJ3F
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) February 11, 2026
THAT
WAS
INCREDIBLE!!!!
— Dale Steyn (@DaleSteyn62) February 11, 2026
Admin watching #SAvAFG 😯 pic.twitter.com/IMmeXvX9da
— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) February 11, 2026
You gonna Feel for #Afghanistan
What a Match
What a Drama#SAvsAFG pic.twitter.com/Ix2oTJu52y— Munaf Patel (@munafpa99881129) February 11, 2026
We’ve seen this one, we’ve seen this one – this is a classic!#T20WorldCup #SAvAFG pic.twitter.com/FUIft1f0Ip
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) February 11, 2026
What A match! Absolute CINEMA!!
This match is too good! Maybe Afghanistan out out of the World Cup!! 😅😄😁#Afghanistan #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/nuerlq5vnI
— MADDY (@itsme__maddy) February 11, 2026
What a thrilling end to a heart stopping contest 🙌
South Africa manage to clinch a nail-biting win in the second Super Over ⚡#SAvsAFG #T20WorldCup2026 pic.twitter.com/nMAaQTJDQT— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 11, 2026
WHAT A Match…
Gurbaz is the real hero but Keshav Maharaj at his best.
Super Over
WHAT A GAME #SAvsAFG #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/Ucrvk4OAYC— shivamm_.ox (@ShivamRafiganj) February 11, 2026
What a Match Incredible game of Cricket 🏏#SAvsAFG 🔥#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/sfZctUKvYX
— Muhd_Salman (@Muhd_salman_93) February 11, 2026
Afghanistan South Africa
What a match maza aa gaya 😭😭#SAvsAFG pic.twitter.com/g0EQzlPNtg— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) February 11, 2026
Ohhhhh Afghanistan… so near, yet still so far.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) February 11, 2026
#AfghanAtalan scored 19 runs off the second super over and fell short by 4 runs, as South Africa edged a thrilling contest. #T20WorldCup | #AFGvSA | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/DOUxAkmrIo
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 11, 2026
Heart patients watching #SAvsAFG game : pic.twitter.com/5nbgZMvWh6
— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) February 11, 2026
The man , The myth, The legend
Super Over 😁#SAvsAFG pic.twitter.com/cs5AI6E5Gm— Byomkesh (@byomkesbakshy) February 11, 2026
Rabada is world’s top bowler and he could not stop 10-11 numbers from scoring 11 of his last over…and look at wides and no balls… Real Chokers South Africans and Afghans are real warriors.. #SAvsAFG #T20WorldCup2026
— Samip Rajguru (@samiprajguru) February 11, 2026
South Africa needs 18 runs in the Super Over to secure their spot. Afg needs to defend 17 runs to remain alive in the World Cup.#SAvsAFG
— Farrago Abdullah Parody (@abdullah_0mar) February 11, 2026
One of the best matches I have seen, sad that the result did not come accordingly 😭#SAvsAFG
— నాని (@nani_SSMBfan) February 11, 2026
