Cricket, in its shortest format, often delivers heart-in-mouth finishes — but very rarely does it gift fans two Super Overs in a single match. The Group D encounter between South Africa and Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on 11 February 2026 will be remembered as one of the most sensational matches in T20 World Cup history. A blockbuster batting display from both sides, nerve-shredding moments in clutch situations, and an emotional roller-coaster of tension and jubilation — this game had everything.
Match Summary & Scorecards
Event: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2025/26, Group D — 13th Match
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad
📍ate: 11 February 2026
Final Result: South Africa defeated Afghanistan after two Super Overs in an iconic T20 battle.
| Team | Score | Overs |
|---|
| South Africa | 187/6 | 20.0 |
| Afghanistan | 187/9 | 19.4 |
| Super Over 1 | SA & AFG tied | SA 17/1 – AFG 17/0 |
| Super Over 2 | South Africa won | SA 23/0 vs AFG 19/2 |
South Africa Innings – Setting a Testing Total
South Africa elected to bat first and put on a brutal batting display across their 20 overs, finishing with 187/6.
Top Performers
Ryan Rickelton – 61 (28 balls)
- A lightning-fast half-century that set the tone for the innings.
- Displayed excellent timing and power hitting to accelerate when needed.
Quinton de Kock – 59 (41 balls)
- Brings his trademark controlled aggression at the top.
- Kept South Africa ahead with crisp boundaries and smart rotation.
Other contributors chipped in, providing crucial momentum shifts and maintaining pressure on the Afghan bowling attack.
Afghanistan Chase – A Run-A-Way Thriller
Afghanistan came into bat knowing they needed a big total, and what followed was one of the most thrilling chases in modern T20 history.
Top Performers
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 84 (42 balls)
- Led the Afghan charge with scintillating strokeplay.
- His knock featured aggressive hitting and fearless intent, keeping Afghanistan in the hunt.
Despite losing wickets at intervals, Afghanistan’s middle order kept chipping away, steadily pushing the total towards the target. The team finished with 187/9 in 19.4 overs, trailing by just 2 runs at the final moment — a tie!
First Super Over – Tension Peaks
Since the main match ended tied, both teams returned for the first Super Over:
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 17/0 |
| South Africa | 17/1 |
South Africa managed to match Afghanistan’s total, with a dramatic last-ball boundary (a six from Travis Stubbs) forcing a second Super Over — an ultra-rare spectacle in international T20 cricket.
Second Super Over – South Africa Clinches It
With everything on the line, South Africa seized the initiative in the second extra over:
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 23/0 |
| Afghanistan | 19/2 |
South African batters came out with attacking intent — three towering sixes in the Super Over — and set a sky-high total. Afghanistan fought valiantly but couldn’t match it, handing South Africa a remarkable and hard-fought victory.
Personal View & Conclusion
This match wasn’t just a cricket game — it was a spectacle. A relentless South African batting onslaught followed by an extraordinary Afghan chase painted a picture of two teams refusing to blink. The adrenaline-fuelled Super Over drama made it an instant classic and a must-watch for T20 cricket lovers worldwide.
From a critic’s perspective:
- South Africa showed composure and depth, handling pressure with aggressive yet calculated batting.
- Afghanistan reminded the world of their fighting spirit, especially in high-stakes chases.
- The match propelled excitement for the T20 World Cup and showcased why this format keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
In a tournament that values flair and tension, South Africa vs Afghanistan delivered the kind of contest legends are made of. It’s a match that will be referenced for years as a benchmark for clutch performances and unforgettable entertainment in the T20 World Cup.
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Hi, I’m Prashant Jain — a curious soul, storyteller, and content creator at heart.I’ve always been drawn to the world of entertainment, travel, sports, health & lifestyle — not just as a writer, but as someone who genuinely lives these experiences. Whether I’m binge-watching the latest OTT series, exploring offbeat spiritual destinations in India, or diving deep into wellness routines and cricket match insights, I love sharing what I discover with like-minded readers.
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