Hammad Aziz
Ahmedabad: South Africa survived one of the most dramatic finishes in T20 World Cup history, defeating Afghanistan in a nerve-shredding contest decided by two Super Overs, after Rahmanullah Gurbaz fell just short of pulling off a miracle chase on Tuesday.
In a match that swung repeatedly between both sides, the Proteas held their nerve to escape what many are calling one of the greatest World Cup thrillers, keeping alive their hopes of progressing from the tournament’s so-called “group of death”.
South Africa post competitive total
Batting first after losing the toss, South Africa posted 187-6, riding on half-centuries from Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61).
The pair steadied the innings following an early setback, countering Afghanistan’s spin attack with controlled aggression. Rashid Khan led the comeback for Afghanistan with 2-28, restricting South Africa’s scoring late in the innings.
Marco Jansen’s late cameo ensured the Proteas finished strongly.
Gurbaz lights up the chase
Afghanistan’s reply was built almost entirely around Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who produced a breathtaking 84 off 42 balls, peppered with boundaries and towering sixes.
The opener dismantled South Africa’s pace attack in the powerplay and kept Afghanistan alive even as wickets tumbled at the other end.
However, regular breakthroughs from Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj tightened the contest, pushing the game into the final over with Afghanistan needing 13 runs and only one wicket in hand.
Chaos in the final over
Kagiso Rabada nearly sealed the match but two costly no-balls handed Afghanistan lifelines. A scrambled single tied the scores, forcing the game into a Super Over.
First Super Over: Still no winner
Afghanistan managed 17 runs, putting South Africa under pressure.
The Proteas looked beaten until Tristan Stubbs smashed a last-ball six, dramatically forcing a second Super Over, the first double Super Over in T20 World Cup history.
Second Super Over: Heartbreak for Afghanistan
South Africa raised the bar with 23 runs, leaving Afghanistan needing a near-impossible 24.
Gurbaz returned to strike and launched three consecutive sixes, bringing the equation down to a boundary to tie and a six to win.
But attempting to pierce the off side, he hit straight to point.
Catch taken. Match over.
South Africa survived.
What it means
The victory keeps South Africa firmly in contention for the knockout stage, while Afghanistan face a must-win path ahead to stay alive in the tournament.
Despite the defeat, Gurbaz’s innings will be remembered as one of the finest individual efforts in T20 World Cup history.
