What started as a high-scoring Group D clash between South Africa and Afghanistan became an all-time classic. After both sides were tied at 187 and had already finished their 20 overs, one Super Over couldn't separate them, so after a second decisive shootout, finally the Proteas finished the match and moved out in the lead.
The Main Event: Tied at 187
South Africa, opting to bat first, finished on a solid 187/6, courtesy of a big 114-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61), respectively. Afghanistan’s captain Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai (3/41) pulled it back in the death overs, but late fireworks from Marco Jansen turned it into a competitive target with a game-changing match.
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz answered back with a blinder, hitting 84 off just 42 balls. Though they lost wickets to Lungi Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj on the other end, lower-order resistance from Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan led the challenge to a tie at the last ball of the 20th over.
The Super Over Madness
First Super Over: Afghanistan batted first, scoring 17/0 against Lungi Ngidi. In response, South Africa scored the exact score (17/1), thanks to a sensational last-ball six by Tristan Stubbs against Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Second Super Over
With the new rules, South Africa batted first. David Miller decided to run wild, smashing two sixes and a four off Azmatullah Omarzai as SA struck a stunning 23/0.
The Finish
Facing 24, Rahmanullah Gurbaz sparked hope for Afghans again when he hit three consecutive sixes off Keshav Maharaj. But when he needed 6 off the last ball, no luck saved Maharaj from dismissing Gurbaz and they crushed it with an extra 4-run victory on Super Over #2.
Match Summary
- South Africa: 187/6 (20 overs) | Super Over 1: 17/1 | Super Over 2: 23/0
- Afghanistan: 187/10 (19.4 overs) | Super Over 1: 17/0 | Super Over 2: 19/1
- Result: South Africa won the Second Super Over.
