In one of the most dramatic matches of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa defeated Afghanistan by the barest of margins in a rare double Super Over encounter at Ahmedabad`s Narendra Modi Stadium.
In a match that will be remembered for ages, it ended in a tie after both teams posted 187 in their allotted 20 overs. With nothing separating the sides, the match headed into a Super Over and the drama only intensified since then.
Batting first in the first Super Over, the Proteas smashed 17 runs off six balls. However, Afghanistan matched the total, forcing the contest into a second Super Over.
South Africa this time batted first, and Tristan Stubbs delivered under pressure. His powerful hitting propelled the Proteas to 23 runs in the second Super Over, setting Afghanistan a daunting target of 24 in 6 balls.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz had everyone on the edge of their seat
It was just moments when Rahmanullah Gurbaz nearly pulled off the impossible. Facing left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, Gurbaz launched three towering sixes to swing the momentum Afghanistan’s way.
With seven runs needed off the final ball, Maharaj bowled a wide with the field set for a delivery outside off stump, reducing the equation to five needed off the last legal ball.
While everyone hoped for yet another dramatic finish, Gurbaz attempted to carve the final delivery over the backward point fielder. But he failed to find the boundary, hitting the ball straight into the hands of the backward point fielder, sealing a dramatic victory for South Africa.
The thrilling finish marked one of the most unforgettable matches in T20 World Cup history, with South Africa holding their nerve to emerge victorious in a contest that showcased the very best of T20 cricket.
