Match Overview
The 13th Match of Group D at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the T20 World Cup 2026. South Africa and Afghanistan battled to identical totals of 187, forcing a Super Over. When the first Super Over also ended in a tie, tension reached fever pitch before South Africa finally clinched victory in the second Super Over.
Afghanistan, having opted to bowl, conceded a powerful South African total built around explosive middle-order batting. But their reply was equally fierce, led by a sensational knock from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. With qualification stakes rising in Group D, both teams showed resilience under pressure. Ultimately, South Africa’s composure in the decisive moments kept their campaign on track, while Afghanistan proved they are no longer underdogs on the global stage.
Quick Info
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Match: South Africa vs Afghanistan, 13th Match, Group D
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Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
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Date: 11-02-2026
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Time: 11:00 AM Local
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Player to Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Match: South Africa vs Afghanistan, 13th Match, Group D
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Date: 11-02-2026
Time: 11:00 AM Local
Player to Watch: Rahmanullah Gurbaz
1st Innings – South Africa 187/6 (20 Overs)
After losing skipper Aiden Markram early, South Africa rebuilt through a blistering partnership between Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. Rickelton’s 61 off just 28 balls shifted momentum dramatically, while de Kock anchored smartly with 59.
Late cameos from Marco Jansen and David Miller ensured a competitive total of 187. Afghanistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Rashid Khan and Azmatullah Omarzai, kept things from spiraling beyond control.
Performance Table – 1st Innings
Top Batsmen Runs Balls SR Ryan Rickelton 61 28 217.86 Quinton de Kock 59 41 143.90 Dewald Brevis 23 19 121.05
Top Bowlers Overs Runs Wickets Azmatullah Omarzai 4 41 3 Rashid Khan 4 28 2
| Top Batsmen | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Rickelton | 61 | 28 | 217.86 |
| Quinton de Kock | 59 | 41 | 143.90 |
| Dewald Brevis | 23 | 19 | 121.05 |
| Top Bowlers | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 4 | 41 | 3 |
| Rashid Khan | 4 | 28 | 2 |
Rickelton’s aggressive strokeplay during the middle overs was arguably the turning point of the innings.
2nd Innings – Afghanistan 187 All Out (19.4 Overs)
Afghanistan responded with fearless intent. Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced one of the finest knocks of the tournament — 84 off 42 balls — dismantling South Africa’s attack with calculated aggression.
Despite early wickets falling around him, Gurbaz maintained a strike rate of 200, keeping Afghanistan ahead of the required rate. However, South Africa’s bowlers, particularly Lungi Ngidi, clawed back with timely breakthroughs. The match swung dramatically in the final overs, with wickets tumbling and fielding brilliance forcing run-outs.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 with just two balls remaining, tying the contest and sending the game into a Super Over — and eventually a second.
Performance Table – 2nd Innings
Top Batsmen Runs Balls SR Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84 42 200.00 Azmatullah Omarzai 22 17 129.41 Rashid Khan 20 12 166.67
Top Bowlers Overs Runs Wickets Lungi Ngidi 4 26 3 Keshav Maharaj 4 27 1
| Top Batsmen | Runs | Balls | SR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rahmanullah Gurbaz | 84 | 42 | 200.00 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | 22 | 17 | 129.41 |
| Rashid Khan | 20 | 12 | 166.67 |
| Top Bowlers | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lungi Ngidi | 4 | 26 | 3 |
| Keshav Maharaj | 4 | 27 | 1 |
Super Over Drama – And Then Another!
The first Super Over mirrored the tension of the match itself — both teams matching each other stroke for stroke. With nerves shredded and Ahmedabad roaring, the tie persisted.
In the second Super Over, South Africa displayed superior temperament. Clinical hitting combined with disciplined bowling sealed a nerve-wracking victory. The Proteas’ execution under extreme pressure highlighted their growing maturity in global tournaments.
🏆 Top Performer – Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Although on the losing side, Rahmanullah Gurbaz stood out as the game’s defining performer. His 84 off 42 balls nearly carried Afghanistan to a famous win and forced the Super Over scenario. His fearless approach against world-class bowlers under tournament pressure makes him the standout figure of the match.
Final Result: South Africa won after 2nd Super Over (Match tied, 1st Super Over tied).
Conclusion
This extraordinary contest could prove pivotal in Group D standings. South Africa gain crucial momentum and two invaluable points, strengthening their semi-final push. Afghanistan, despite the heartbreak, showcased depth, skill, and composure that signal their continued rise in international cricket.
If this thriller is any indication, the T20 World Cup 2026 promises more unforgettable nights. Both teams remain strong contenders — and a rematch later in the tournament would be box-office cricket at its finest.
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