Double Super Over Drama! South Africa Clinch Thriller, Afghanistan Win Hearts with Gritty Fight

AHMEDABAD: South Africa edged out Afghanistan in a heart-stopping double Super Over thriller, as the resilient Afghans fell just short of a historic T20 World Cup victory on Wednesday.

Afghanistan were all out for 187 after South Africa posted 187-6 in Ahmedabad, setting up a nail-biting T20 World Cup showdown. The first Super Over ended in a dramatic tie as both teams scored 18 runs, sending the match into a second sudden-death showdown.

In the second Super Over, South Africa smashed 23 runs, leaving Afghanistan with an uphill task. When Rahmanullah Gurbaz stepped up, he needed four sixes off four balls for a stunning victory—but the resilient Afghans ultimately fell just short in a heart-stopping finish.

Gurbaz sensationally launched Keshav Maharaj into the crowd three times with some huge blows. A wide off the fifth ball meant Afghanistan still needed six to win, but now a four would send it, incredibly, to a third Super Over.

With nerves jangling and pulses racing, the left-arm spinner held his nerve to bowl a wide yorker that saw Gurbaz smack into the grateful hands of Davis Miller at point as he looked to hit a boundary. It was South Africa’s second win in as many matches in Group D to be placed second behind toppers New Zealand.

A few minutes earlier, after Gurbaz scored a brilliant 42-ball 84 in the chase, Afghanistan had needed 13 off the last over of the match to win with one wicket in hand.

After Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls and a wide, and Noor Ahmad smashed a six, Afghanistan needed just two runs off the final three balls for a sensational victory. But Noor was run out attempting the second run, leaving the scores level and handing South Africa a thrilling win.

South Africa pacer Lungi Ngidi was named Player of the Match for his brilliant 3-26 in four overs. “I’ve lost so much weight today,” said a beaming Ngidi. “Never been that stressed in my life in a cricket game. Happy to come out on the winning side.”

Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61) anchored South Africa’s innings, sharing a crucial 114-run stand for the second wicket that set the stage for the epic finish.   

Credit: The Global Times