T20 World Cup: Afghanistan set 18-run target in Super Over thriller against South Africa

WEB DESK: Afghanistan launched an impressive assault in the Super Over, plundering 17 runs off Lungi Ngidi to seize the momentum. Azmatullah Omarzai set the tone from the very first ball, carving a full toss between point and short third for four. He then cleared the ropes with a powerful six and struck another boundary, punishing anything loose. Rahmanullah Gurbaz chipped in with a single to keep the strike rotating, while Azmatullah continued to pierce the field with confidence and composure. The over ended with yet another boundary and a single, capping a breathtaking effort that piled the pressure squarely on South Africa in the decider.

Afghanistan and South Africa fought out a nail-biting tie in the 13th match of Group D at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on February 11, leaving fans on the edge of their seats awaiting a final update as super over begins.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted 187 all out in 20 overs, setting a challenging target for the Proteas. Rahmanullah Gurbaz starred with a blistering 78 off 40 balls, combining aggressive strokeplay with calculated running between the wickets. His innings featured six towering sixes and four crisp boundaries, keeping Afghanistan in the hunt despite losing key wickets at regular intervals.

South Africa, in response, matched the Afghan total run for run, with a tense final over seeing Afghanistan needing 13 runs from the last six balls. Noor Ahmad’s audacious six and some chaotic moments at the crease kept the outcome uncertain. Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, and Kagiso Rabada bowled tightly, claiming crucial wickets at pivotal moments, while fielders such as David Miller and Quinton de Kock produced spectacular catches to keep South Africa in contention.

The match swung back and forth, with both sides showing extraordinary resilience and nerves under pressure. Ultimately, Afghanistan finished at 187, leaving the encounter tied—a thrilling contest that highlighted the growing competitiveness of the Afghan side on the world stage and South Africa’s fighting spirit.

The tie also leaves Group D standings wide open, setting the stage for high-stakes encounters in the next round of the tournament.