![Afghanistan lose close thriller to South Africa [Source: JioHotstar]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1770804952628_AFGvsSATwitterreactionsT20WorldCup2026.jpg?type=hq)
Afghanistan lose close thriller to South Africa [Source: JioHotstar]
South Africa survived a heart-stopping thriller against Afghanistan in Match 13 of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
The contest ended in a tie after both teams scored 187. What followed was pure drama. Super Over pressure. Big hits. Missed chances. And finally, South Africa held their nerve to seal a stunning win.
It was a game that swung every few minutes and left players and fans drained.
South Africa win the mental battle in a double Super Over
This was more than just a group-stage match. It tested temperament. South Africa were under pressure after Afghanistan matched their total. The first Super Over ended level again. Tension rose. The crowd sensed something special.
In the second Super Over, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs stepped up. Miller attacked anything in his zone. Stubbs cleared the ropes when it mattered most and posted 23 runs.
Afghanistan fought back through Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Three sixes off Keshav Maharaj nearly turned the game again. But Maharaj had the final word as he defended 5 runs off the final ball to win it for the Proteas.
South Africa stayed calm in the key moments, and it made the difference. Meanwhile, fans lost their cool on social media. The thrilling action drew mixed reactions from fans.
While some supporters were happy to see Afghanistan's fight, others accused the management of bottling it up by not trusting Gurbaz sooner in the second Super Over.
De Kock and Rickelton power South Africa to 187
Earlier, South Africa posted 187 for 6. Aiden Markram fell early, then came the partnership that shaped the innings. Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton added 114 runs for the second wicket.
De Kock scored 59 off 41 balls as he mixed caution with clean hitting. Rickelton was more aggressive, as his 61 came off just 28 balls. He took on Rashid Khan and Mujeeb without hesitation.
Dewald Brevis chipped in with 23. Miller finished unbeaten on 20. Marco Jansen added quick runs at the end.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan picked up two wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai claimed three.
Gurbaz's brilliance takes Afghanistan to the edge
Afghanistan’s reply, meanwhile, began at pace. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looked unstoppable. He smashed 84 off 42 balls with four fours and seven sixes. He attacked spin and pace equally.
Wickets fell around him. Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib departed quickly. Sediqullah Atal followed. But Gurbaz kept Afghanistan alive. Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah added useful runs.
For South Africa, Lungi Ngidi bowled smartly. He took three wickets using slower balls. Maharaj and Rabada also chipped in. Still, Afghanistan reached 187 in 19.4 overs. The match was tied.
The Super Overs were dramatic. Afghanistan scored 17 in the first. South Africa matched it. Then came the final showdown. Miller and Stubbs went big again. Gurbaz tried to repeat his heroics, and he nearly did.
But one final wicket ended it. South Africa escaped, but Afghanistan earned respect. Overall, fans witnessed a classic that will be remembered for years.
