The coin flip of the match went in Afghanistan’s way who opted to bowl first.
Captain’s take after toss:
Aiden Markram (SA): We would have bowled first as well, quite a bit of moisture, but not a bad thing to bat. Put the runs on the board and apply the pressure. We had a good game against Canada and had a nice workaround. One change for us – we have one change, we’re playing the extra spinner in George Linde, he replaces Corbon Bosch.
Rashid Khan (AFG): We will bowl first. Fresh wicket and we’re looking forward to chase. Against the big teams in the WC, it’s a must-win game for us, need to put in the effort, don’t worry about the result, but just put your energy on the field. It’s a home ground, I have played for GT over the years in the IPL. I think this pitch will get better as the game goes on, that’s the reason we’re chasing. A couple of areas where we can improve – batting in the powerplay and we missed our lengths in the previous game. One change, Ziaur Rahmjan misses out, Noor Ahmad is in.
South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026: Playing 11
South Africa playing 11: Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
Afghanistan playing 11: Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
