South Africa emerged victorious in an intense double super over showdown against Afghanistan in a thrilling T20 World Cup match that ended in a tie on Wednesday.
Afghanistan posted a total of 187 runs before South Africa also reached 187-6 in Ahmedabad.
Following a nail-biting first super over that ended in a tie with both teams scoring 18 runs each, South Africa clinched the win in the second sudden-death over with a final ball finish.
In a dramatic turn of events, South Africa scored 23 runs in their second super over, while Afghanistan lost a wicket in the second ball of their over, leaving Rahmanullah Gurbaz needing four sixes off just four balls for a miraculous victory.
Gurbaz delivered three massive sixes off Keshav Maharaj but fell short in the last ball as he attempted a boundary hit, leading to South Africa’s triumph.
This victory marked South Africa’s second consecutive win in Group D, placing them second behind New Zealand.
Earlier in the match, Afghanistan required 13 runs off the final over with one wicket remaining after Gurbaz’s impressive 42-ball 84. Despite a tense finale with two runs needed off three balls, a run-out resulted in a tie.
Lungi Ngidi of South Africa was awarded the player of the match for his stellar performance, claiming 3-26 in four overs.
Reflecting on the intense match, Ngidi expressed, “I’ve lost so much weight today. Never been that stressed in my life in a cricket game. Happy to come out on the winning side.”
Contributions from Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61) were crucial for South Africa as they formed a solid partnership of 114 runs for the second wicket.
