![Gurbaz cries in pain as SA beat AFG [Source: X]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770807342190_GurbazcriesinpainasSAbeatAFG.jpg?type=hq)
Gurbaz cries in pain as SA beat AFG [Source: X]
When South Africa posted 187 for 6 in their group stage match against Afghanistan, it was assumed that the Proteas would win the game easily. However, the Afghans showed why they are known as the dark horses for the tournament, as the team showed resilience and took the game to the Super Over.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the power-packed opener, led the fight as he blasted 84 off 42 balls and was class above the rest as the Afghans managed to level the scores. The South Africa-Afghanistan match turned out to be the most exciting game of the tournament as the scores were also levelled after the first Super over, and we had another one.
Miller consoles a heartbroken Gurbaz
In the second Super Over of the day, South African batters held their nerves and despite Gurbaz hammering three sixes in a row, Afghanistan faltered and lost their second game in a row to stay on the brink of the exit door.
After the scintillating contest ended, the two sides embraced each other, and an emotional Gurbaz could be seen crying as the batter fought alone for his side, but he failed to steer them past the winning line. He was consoled by David Miller as the Afghanistan opener visibly looked shaken.
This was not a cry of a weak person, but a cry of someone who gave it his all, but just couldn’t cross the winning line.
Tears of exit for Rahmanullah Gurbaz?
Afghanistan has lost back-to-back games (against New Zealand and South Africa), and despite having relatively easy games ahead (against Canada and the UAE), their chances of qualifying for the Super 8 look thin on paper. For starters, the Afghans need to win their remaining two matches and hope that South Africa, or New Zealand lose their next two matches.
In such a scenario, Afghanistan may have a chance to topple one of South Africa or New Zealand in the points tally and secure their passage towards the Super 8. However, Gurbaz and Afghanistan know that the task looks difficult, and perhaps, the player got visibly emotional knowing the future outcome.
Afghanistan miss golden chance to take revenge
In the 2024 T20 World Cup, against all odds, Afghanistan reached the semifinals, but their dream run was stopped by a strong South African team. The Afghans were expected to put up a fight, but the Proteas had a dominant one-sided win.
Batting first, Afghanistan had a shocker of a performance as they got bundled out for 56, and the South Africans made a mockery of the target as they won the match by 9-wickets, thus reaching the finals.
Fast forward two years, and the Asian side had a golden chance to get their revenge as Gurbaz gave them a fiery start, and the Afghan side was one hit away from a famous win. However, a run-out in the last ball changed ther course of the game.
South Africa managed to hold their nerves in the two Super Overs and just like 2024, they once again crossed the winning line against the Afghan side.
