SA vs AFG 13th T20 WC 2026 Highlights: Finally, we have the first super over, and it was not one but two super overs that were held in the recent ICC Men’s 13th T20 World Cup 2026 clash between South Africa (SA) and Afghanistan (AFG). The match stretched into two super overs before a winner was decided.
South Africa Post a Competitive Total
Afghanistan won the toss, and they opted to bowl first. As expected, South Africa produced a strong batting performance as they put up 187/6 in 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton led the charge with a blistering knock of 61 off just 28 balls. On the other hand, Quinton de Kock did a fabulous job to produce a fluent 59 off 41 deliveries. Their partnership was needed for laying the foundation for a formidable total.
In the closing overs, Marco Jansen and David Miller also did a good job to add quick runs at the end to push the score near the 190 mark. Afghanistan’s bowling effort was led by Rashid Khan, who picked up two key wickets. Also, Azmatullah Omarzai did a good job to get three scalps to restrict further damage.
Afghanistan Fight Back in the Chase
Afghanistan responded with intent. It was an aggressive knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who kept Afghanistan in the chase. The rocking batsman scored 84 runs off 42 balls. However, he didn’t really get the support from the other batsmen.
With some small contributions from Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad, and Rabada’s no-ball, Afghanistan helped to take the match into the super over. However, Afghanistan could have won the match in the first attempt only if Fazalhaq Farooqi had shown some intent on the last ball. The fast bowler didn’t even make a dive for the final run.
First Super Over Adds More Drama
The first Super Over intensified the contest. From South Africa it was Lungi Ngidi who took the ball, but due to two hits by Azmatullah Omarzai, Afghanistan achieved a total of 17 runs. South Africa, while batting second, sent Dewald Brevis and David Miller for opening. However, Dewald went cheaply after scoring a six on the second ball of the super over, and then Stubbs walked. At this point, 11 were needed of 3 balls; he scored a 4, then a dot, and finally 6 on the last ball to take the match to the super over.
Second Super Over Decides the Match
In the second Super Over, South Africa came out aggressively. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs showed their class to score 23 runs in just six deliveries that set a daunting 24-run target.
Afghanistan’s reply began dramatically because Nabi scored 0 runs off 2 balls. Gurbaz was sent after 1 wicket, where 24 was needed in 4 balls. Gurbaz scored 3 sixes off 3 balls, and on the last ball 6 runs were needed on 1 ball. However, Gurbaz failed to score, and this led South Africa to grab the match in a close encounter.
Key Performances
- Ryan Rickelton: 61 off 28 balls, and he set the tone for South Africa.
- Quinton de Kock scored 59 runs as he anchored the innings at the top.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz was the saviour, but he couldn’t save Afghanistan. Keshav Maharaj held his nerves and delivered a match-winning spell in the decisive Super Over.
All in all, though Afghanistan fought very well against South Africa, this loss might have ended the hopes of Afghanistan to reach the Super 8.
