AHMEDABAD: South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic double Super Over finish in Group D of the ICC T20 World Cup after one of the most thrilling matches of the tournament.
The contest first ended in a tie, forcing a Super Over. That, too, finished level, prompting officials to call for a second Super Over to decide the result.
In the decisive Super Over, South Africa posted 23 runs. Afghanistan managed 19 for the loss of two wickets in reply, handing the Proteas a tense victory.
Earlier, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to field.
South Africa’s innings began with Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock. Markram fell early for 12, caught off Fazalhaq Farooqi. De Kock and Ryan Rickelton then steadied the innings and counterattacked. Both batters brought up their half-centuries in the same over. Rickelton scored 61, while De Kock made 59. Dewald Brevis added 23 and David Miller contributed 20.
Azmatullah Omarzai led Afghanistan’s bowling with three wickets. Rashid Khan claimed two and kept his side in the contest.
The match had already seen high drama in the first Super Over. Afghanistan set a target of 18 runs. South Africa needed seven off the final ball, and Tristan Stubbs smashed a six to force another Super Over, stunning the crowd.
Lungi Ngidi bowled the Super Over for South Africa. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Azmatullah Omarzai attacked from the outset and piled on runs without losing a wicket.
Afghanistan entered the match under pressure after losing their opening game to New Zealand. South Africa had beaten Canada by 57 runs in their first outing.
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With this win, South Africa strengthened their position in Group D, while Afghanistan’s hopes now hang by a thread in a fiercely contested tournament.
