ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 - Match 13 : South Africa beat Afghanistan by 4 runs after Double Super Over
Match 13: South Africa beat Afghanistan by 4 runs (after double Super Over)
In one of the greatest T20 World Cup matches ever played, South Africa survived a monumental scare to outlast Afghanistan after two Super Overs in an Ahmedabad epic that saw heartbreak for Rahmanullah Gurbaz despite his magnificent 84 off 42 balls and showcased Tristan Stubbs' nerveless last-ball six to force the second overtime period. After South Africa posted 187/6 thanks to brilliant half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61 off 28) and Quinton de Kock (59 off 41) in a 114-run partnership, Afghanistan tied the match on 187 when Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out off the third-last ball attempting a second run after Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls in a chaotic final over. The first Super Over ended 17-17 when Stubbs hit a flat six off the final delivery, then South Africa posted 23 in the second Super Over before Gurbaz smashed three consecutive sixes and needed just four off the final ball—but hit straight to point, giving Lungi Ngidi Player of the Match honors (3/26) and South Africa a barely-believable victory that keeps them alive in the Group of Death while dealing Afghanistan's Super 8 qualification hopes a crushing blow after losing their opening match to New Zealand.
Match Scorecard
South Africa won by 4 runs (after double Super Over)
Player of the Match: ⭐ Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
How the Match Unfolded
South Africa's Innings: Rickelton-de Kock Century Stand Powers Proteas
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and elected to bowl first on an Ahmedabad surface that offered some assistance to spinners, hoping to capitalize on South Africa's relative vulnerability against quality spin bowling. Coming into this match as a must-win after losing their opening fixture to New Zealand, Afghanistan needed early wickets to build pressure on the tournament favorites.
Fazalhaq Farooqi provided exactly that in the second over, producing a brilliant slower ball that completely deceived Aiden Markram. The South African captain attempted to clear long-on but was through his shot too early, managing only a tame loft to the fielder stationed in the deep. Markram departed for just 5 off 8 balls, and South Africa were 11/1—precisely the start Afghanistan needed.
What followed was a batting masterclass from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, who combined for a devastating 114-run partnership off just 61 deliveries that took the match away from Afghanistan. The pair attacked relentlessly, with Rickelton particularly destructive in his approach. He launched Rashid Khan for 14 runs in the third over and 7 in the fourth, completely dominating the world's premier T20 spinner during his opening spell.
De Kock brought up his 19th T20I half-century off 34 balls, showcasing his trademark elegance with drives through the off side and powerful pulls to the leg side. Rickelton reached his maiden T20 World Cup fifty even quicker—off just 23 balls—demonstrating the kind of aggressive intent that had been missing from South Africa's recent T20I performances. The partnership took South Africa to 126/1 in the 13th over, and a total of 200-plus seemed inevitable.
However, Rashid Khan produced a match-changing 13th over that swung momentum dramatically back toward Afghanistan. He first removed de Kock for 59 off 41 balls, caught at deep midwicket by Ibrahim Zadran attempting a big shot. Two deliveries later, Rashid trapped Rickelton plumb in front with a quicker delivery that skidded on after pitching. The opener departed for 61 off 28 balls, and South Africa had lost both set batsmen in the space of three deliveries, slumping from 126/1 to 126/3.
Afghanistan's spinners then applied a stranglehold on South Africa's middle order, with Azmatullah Omarzai claiming three wickets and the scoring rate dropping dramatically. Dewald Brevis managed 23 off 19 balls before falling to Omarzai, while David Miller struggled to 13 off 14 in an uncharacteristically subdued knock. South Africa managed just 61 runs off their final 7.3 overs, finishing on 187/6—a total that represented recovery from 126/3 but felt at least 15-20 runs below par on an excellent batting surface.
Afghanistan's Chase: Gurbaz's Heroics Nearly Deliver Impossible Victory
Chasing 188, Afghanistan needed a strong start to keep pace with the required rate. They got exactly that from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who produced one of the great T20 World Cup innings—a display of power-hitting, innovation, and sheer audacity that nearly delivered an impossible victory.
Lungi Ngidi conceded 13 runs off his first over, but South Africa struck back when the Player of the Match removed Ibrahim Zadran with a slower ball that dipped sharply under the bat. Gulbadin Naib arrived but lasted just two deliveries, offering a return catch to Ngidi who completed a brilliant diving catch to his right. Afghanistan were 20/2, but Gurbaz was just getting started.
What followed was an exhibition of modern T20 batting at its absolute best. Gurbaz backed away and ramped an accurate Marco Jansen short ball for six. He upper-cut Kagiso Rabada's first delivery over deep third for an even bigger maximum. Against left-arm spinner George Linde, Gurbaz made room and launched him on the up and down the ground for six. He reached his fifty off just 26 balls, and Afghanistan were 93/3 after 10 overs—well ahead of the required rate despite losing early wickets.
Keshav Maharaj provided South Africa's crucial breakthrough when Gurbaz edged a slower, wider delivery to backward point where Linde completed a diving catch. The dismissal at 84 off 42 balls (4 fours, 7 sixes, strike rate 200) ended one of the great T20 World Cup knocks, but Afghanistan still had quality batsmen remaining.
The "IPL trio" of Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, and Azmatullah Omarzai kept Afghanistan in the hunt with smart batting. Darwish Rasooli contributed a valuable 22 off 18 balls, while Omarzai struck crucial boundaries late in his innings. Going into the final over, Afghanistan needed 13 runs with Noor Ahmad and Fazalhaq Farooqi—numbers 10 and 11—at the crease. The match appeared over.
What transpired next will be debated for years. Kagiso Rabada, entrusted with bowling the final over, started with a no-ball that went for four leg-byes—suddenly Afghanistan needed just 8 off 5 balls. Two balls later, Rabada bowled another no-ball, this time to the body that Farooqi couldn't control. The equation came down to 2 runs needed off the last three balls with the first ball a free hit.
Ahmad mishit the free hit wide of long-on and came back for two. Scores were tied, but Afghanistan still had two balls remaining. However, a running error proved costly—attempting a suicidal second run off the next delivery, Farooqi was run out by several yards. The match was tied at 187-187, forcing the tournament's first Super Over.
First Super Over: Stubbs' Last-Ball Six Forces Second Overtime
Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz walked out to face Lungi Ngidi in the first Super Over. What followed was carnage: Omarzai launched him for consecutive fours, then Gurbaz smashed a six and another four. Afghanistan posted 17 runs, and South Africa appeared done and dusted.
David Miller and Dewald Brevis opened South Africa's chase of 18, with Rashid Khan bowling. The equation came down to 7 needed off the final delivery—an impossible task by any measure. But Tristan Stubbs, coming in at number three, hit a flat six straight down the ground to tie the Super Over at 17-17. Pandemonium erupted at the Narendra Modi Stadium as players and fans realized they were about to witness T20 cricket's first double Super Over at a World Cup.
Second Super Over: Miller-Stubbs Power SA, Gurbaz Falls Agonizingly Short
Stubbs and Miller, having just forced the second Super Over, remained at the crease to face Farooqi. This time they left nothing to chance: Miller launched a massive six, Stubbs contributed boundaries, and South Africa posted a commanding 23 runs—the highest Super Over total in T20 World Cup history.
Afghanistan needed 24 runs with Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz facing Keshav Maharaj. Nabi fell first ball, bringing Rashid Khan to the crease. What followed was breathtaking: Gurbaz hit three consecutive sixes—massive blows that had the crowd on their feet and Afghanistan needing just 5 off the final ball. Then Maharaj bowled a wide, making it 4 needed off 1 ball.
The entire stadium held its breath. Gurbaz swung hard but couldn't find the gap, hitting straight to David Miller at point who held on to the catch. Had the ball gone a couple of meters either side, Afghanistan would have forced a third Super Over. Instead, South Africa had survived by 4 runs in the second Super Over, winning one of the greatest T20 matches ever played.
Star Performers
Redemption After Early Punishment: Claimed 3/26 in 4 overs after being hit for 13 in his first over, removing Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, and bowling the match-winning second Super Over where Afghanistan fell 4 runs short—redemption personified.
Heroic in Defeat: Produced one of the great T20 World Cup knocks with 84 off 42 balls (4 fours, 7 sixes, SR: 200), then smashed 3 consecutive sixes in 2nd Super Over but fell agonizingly short—hit straight to point needing 4 off final ball.
Explosive Half-Century: Smashed maiden T20 World Cup fifty off just 23 balls, finishing with 61 off 28 deliveries (7 fours, 3 sixes) and combining with de Kock for match-defining 114-run partnership before Rashid's double-strike.
19th T20I Fifty: Scored elegant 59 off 41 balls (6 fours, 2 sixes), bringing up his half-century off 34 deliveries and forming crucial 114-run stand with Rickelton that powered SA to competitive total before Rashid struck.
Nerves of Steel: Hit last-ball six in 1st Super Over to tie at 17-17 and force double overtime, then combined with Miller to score 23 in 2nd Super Over—demonstrating ice-cold composure under ultimate pressure.
Game-Changing Spell: Claimed 2/28 in 4 overs including the match-defining 13th over where he dismissed both de Kock and Rickelton in space of 3 balls, reaching 699 career T20 wickets—just one away from historic 700 milestone.
All-Round Contribution: Claimed 3/41 in 4 overs to strangle SA's death-overs scoring, then scored crucial 16 off 12 balls in the chase and smashed 11 off 3 balls in 1st Super Over to post 17—excellent all-round effort in defeat.
Economical Spin: Bowled brilliant spell of 1/27 in 4 overs despite two harsh wide calls, dismissing Gurbaz (84) with slower wide delivery, then defended 24 in 2nd Super Over to seal historic double-overtime victory.
Key Moments That Defined The Match
Numbers That Mattered
🏏 Historic Double Super Over
T20 World Cup First
Regulation: Tied 187-187
1st Super Over: Tied 17-17
2nd Super Over: SA 23, AFG 19
💥 Gurbaz's Heroics
84 off 42 balls
Strike rate: 200.00
4 fours, 7 sixes
3 consecutive sixes in 2nd Super Over
🎯 Rickelton-de Kock Stand
114 runs off 61 balls
Rickelton: 61 off 28 (SR: 217.86)
de Kock: 59 off 41 (SR: 143.90)
SA from 11/1 to 126/1
🌟 Rashid's Double Strike
2 wickets in 3 balls
13th over: de Kock and Rickelton both out
Reached 699 career T20 wickets
Just 1 away from historic 700
😱 Rabada's Final Over
2 no-balls changed everything
AFG needed 13, got 11 in extras
Running error led to tie
Match saved despite chaos
🎳 Stubbs' Nerveless Six
Last-ball heroics
Needed 7 off 1 in 1st Super Over
Hit flat six straight down ground
Forced unprecedented 2nd overtime
📊 2nd Super Over Record
SA's 23 - Highest in T20 WC
Miller and Stubbs carnage
AFG fell 4 runs short
Gurbaz one shot away from glory
💔 Afghanistan Heartbreak
Lost both matches in Group D
Super 8 hopes dented badly
Gurbaz hit straight to point final ball
Couple meters either side = tie
Phase-wise Breakdown
| Phase | South Africa | Afghanistan | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (1-6) | 57/1 (9.50 RPO) | 62/2 (10.33 RPO) | Afghanistan batting |
| Middle Overs (7-15) | 86/4 (9.56 RPO) | 91/3 (10.11 RPO) | Afghanistan both |
| Death Overs (16-20) | 44/1 (8.80 RPO) | 34/5 (7.26 RPO)* | South Africa bowling |
| Total | 187/6 (9.35 RPO) | 187/10 (9.51 RPO) | TIED - SA wins in 2nd SO |
*AFG bowled out in 19.4 overs (tie) | Then 1st Super Over tied 17-17 | 2nd Super Over: SA 23, AFG 19
What This Result Means
Survived the Group of Death: South Africa's barely-believable victory keeps them alive in Group D after what seemed like certain defeat multiple times—when needing 13 off the last over, when 7 were needed off the final ball of the 1st Super Over, and when Gurbaz hit 3 consecutive sixes in the 2nd.
Mental Scars or Mental Toughness?: This victory could either build enormous confidence (having survived the impossible) or leave psychological scars (nearly throwing away a won match). Captain Aiden Markram's post-match quote will be telling in how they process this.
Rabada's Redemption Needed: Kagiso Rabada's final over (2 no-balls) nearly cost South Africa the match and the tournament. He'll need to execute better in pressure situations against New Zealand in Match 24—a virtual quarterfinal.
Stubbs Announces Arrival: Tristan Stubbs' nerveless last-ball six in the 1st Super Over and composure in the 2nd demonstrates ice-cold finishing ability under ultimate pressure—exactly what South Africa have historically lacked in knockout matches.
Group D Battle Intensifies: With SA now 2-1, New Zealand 2-0, and Afghanistan 0-2, the upcoming SA vs NZ clash in Match 24 becomes a virtual knockout. Winner likely tops the group; loser faces anxious wait for net run rate calculations.
Devastating Heartbreak: Afghanistan's second consecutive loss—after falling to New Zealand in Match 4—leaves them in must-win territory against UAE and Canada. Even victories in both matches may not guarantee Super 8 qualification depending on net run rate.
Gurbaz's Heroics in Vain: Rahmanullah Gurbaz produced one of the great T20 World Cup innings (84 off 42) and hit 3 consecutive sixes in the 2nd Super Over, yet ended on the losing side when his final shot found David Miller at point. Agonizing for the wicketkeeper-batsman.
Rashid One Away from 700: Captain Rashid Khan is stuck on 699 career T20 wickets—just one away from the historic 700 milestone. He'll desperately want to reach it in the next match against UAE, but team qualification is far more important.
Running Error Costly: Fazalhaq Farooqi's run-out attempting a suicidal second run when scores were tied will haunt Afghanistan. With two balls remaining and wickets in hand, they had the match won but poor decision-making cost them dearly.
Semi-Finalists to Early Exit?: Having reached the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup, Afghanistan now face the realistic prospect of first-round elimination. They must beat both UAE and Canada convincingly while hoping other results fall favorably.
Historic First Double Super Over: This match will be remembered as one of the greatest T20 World Cup games ever played—the tournament's first double Super Over, with drama that exceeded even the famous 2019 ODI World Cup final between England and New Zealand.
Group D "Group of Death" Justified: With South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan all possessing match-winners, this group is living up to its billing as the toughest in the tournament. Canada and UAE are the clear underdogs, but the top three will fight tooth-and-nail for two Super 8 spots.
Ahmedabad Delivers Again: The Narendra Modi Stadium—the world's largest cricket venue—has now hosted multiple historic matches. The crowd of 90,000+ witnessed something they'll tell their grandchildren about, justifying the venue's selection for major fixtures.
Pressure Execution Matters: This match demonstrated that T20 cricket ultimately comes down to execution under ultimate pressure. Stubbs' last-ball six, Gurbaz's three sixes, Maharaj's final over defense—these moments define tournaments.
Super Over Rules Debate: The fact that teams needed TWO Super Overs to separate them will likely reignite debates about whether the Super Over format needs revision. Should there be a better tiebreaker? The discussion will continue.
Tactical Analysis & Key Takeaways
1. Rashid Khan's 13th Over Was the Decisive Turning Point: When South Africa were cruising at 126/1 with de Kock and Rickelton both set, the match appeared to be heading toward a total of 200-220. Rashid Khan's 13th over changed everything—dismissing both set batsmen in the space of three deliveries and swinging momentum violently toward Afghanistan. The tactical key was variation: he used his googly to dismiss de Kock (who couldn't pick it and miscued to the deep) then followed with a quicker, skidding delivery that trapped Rickelton plumb in front. This dual-dismissal over demonstrates Rashid's genius—after being taken for 21 runs in his first two overs, he came back to claim two crucial wickets at the precise moment South Africa looked set to explode. His final figures of 2/28 in 4 overs represented a stunning comeback and took him to 699 career T20 wickets, just one away from the historic 700 milestone.
2. Gurbaz's Batting Masterclass Deserved a Winning Cause: Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 84 off 42 balls was not just powerful hitting—it was intelligent, innovative batting that exploited specific weaknesses in South Africa's attack. Against Marco Jansen's short balls, Gurbaz backed away to create room and ramped him for six. Against Kagiso Rabada's pace, he upper-cut over deep third for an even bigger maximum. Against George Linde's left-arm spin, he made room and launched him on the up down the ground. Each shot was pre-meditated based on field placements and bowler tendencies, demonstrating elite game awareness. His strike rate of 200 throughout his innings kept Afghanistan ahead of the required rate despite losing regular wickets at the other end. The tragedy is that after producing such brilliance in regulation time and then hitting three consecutive sixes in the 2nd Super Over, he hit the final ball straight to David Miller at point when a boundary anywhere else would have forced a third Super Over.
3. Rabada's Final Over Execution Failure Nearly Cost Everything: Kagiso Rabada's final over will be dissected in coaching sessions worldwide as an example of how not to bowl under pressure. With Afghanistan needing 13 runs and only numbers 10 and 11 at the crease, the match should have been over. Instead, Rabada bowled two no-balls—the first going for four leg-byes, the second to the body—that gave Afghanistan 11 runs in extras alone. The tactical error wasn't just the no-balls themselves but the lines and lengths: he bowled too straight to tail-enders who could simply deflect the ball for runs rather than bowling wide yorkers that force batsmen to generate their own power. The running error that led to Farooqi's run-out ultimately saved South Africa, but this over demonstrates that even world-class bowlers can crumble under pressure when execution fails.
4. Stubbs' Composure Under Ultimate Pressure Separates Champions: Tristan Stubbs faced the most pressure-filled moment imaginable: coming to the crease in the 1st Super Over with 7 runs needed off the final ball. The mathematical probability of hitting a six in this situation is extremely low—around 15-20% even for elite batsmen. Yet Stubbs not only hit the six but did so with a flat, powerful stroke straight down the ground that demonstrated complete control rather than panicked heaving. In the 2nd Super Over, facing Farooqi with South Africa needing a big total, Stubbs again executed perfectly with boundaries that took SA to 23. This composure is exactly what South Africa have historically lacked in knockout matches—remember the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final, the 2024 T20 World Cup final—and Stubbs' nerveless finishing could be the difference between winning the tournament and another near-miss.
5. The Double Super Over Format Needs Examination: This match exposed potential issues with the Super Over format. After the first Super Over tied at 17-17, teams immediately played a second—but is this the fairest way to separate teams in a World Cup? The format favors explosive hitting over tactical acumen, and the fact that Gurbaz hit three consecutive sixes yet still ended on the losing side demonstrates the fine margins involved. Some cricket pundits have suggested alternatives: perhaps using a "golden ball" approach where the next wicket or boundary wins, or implementing net run rate from the group stage as the tiebreaker rather than forcing multiple Super Overs. The debate will intensify after this match, which saw four consecutive Super Over ties across regulation and the first overtime before finally producing a winner in the second. Whatever the ICC decides, this match will be remembered as the one that sparked the conversation about whether T20 cricket's tiebreaker needs refinement.