Double Super-Over Drama: South Africa edge past Afghans in a Heart-Stopping Thriller in T20IWC

 

Afghanistan had not one, but two golden opportunities to seal a famous victory. On both occasions, they let the moment slip. In one of the most dramatic encounters of the ongoing World Cup, South Africa finally prevailed after two Super Overs, leaving Afghanistan to rue missed chances and costly decisions.

Batting first at the Ahmedabad stadium, South Africa posted a competitive 187 for 6 in their 20 overs. The chase that followed was nothing short of a roller-coaster. Afghanistan were eventually bowled out for exactly 187, forcing the match into a Super Over. Even that failed to produce a result, leading to a rare second Super Over, where South Africa finally emerged victorious.

The heartbreak was especially cruel for former KKR batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who played a sensational innings. Opening the chase, Gurbaz smashed 84 off just 42 balls, laying a strong foundation for victory. However, despite dragging his team to the brink, he was forced to walk off in visible disappointment as Afghanistan fell just short once again.

The drama began in the final over of Afghanistan’s regulation innings. They needed 11 runs from 6 balls with only one wicket in hand. Kagiso Rabada dismissed Noor Ahmad on the very first delivery, and South Africa began celebrating. But their joy was cut short when the umpire signalled a no-ball. Noor survived and then struck a six on the next ball. Another no-ball followed, and suddenly Afghanistan needed just 2 runs from 3 balls.

Then came the fatal moment. Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out attempting the second run, failing to dive at the crease. Afghanistan were all out with two balls remaining, and the match went into a Super Over.

In the first Super Over, Azmatullah Omarzai powered Afghanistan to 17 runs. South Africa needed 7 off the last ball, and Tristan Stubbs kept his nerve, smashing a six to level it yet again.

The second Super Over saw South Africa post a daunting 24 runs. Afghanistan seemed beaten, but Gurbaz produced another stunning assault, hitting three consecutive sixes. With 7 needed off the final ball, hopes were alive — until Gurbaz was dismissed, ending Afghanistan’s brave resistance.

Afghanistan’s tactics in the Super Overs will come under scrutiny. Both overs were bowled by Farooqi and Omarzai, while captain Rashid Khan and spinner Noor Ahmad were not used. Moreover, Mohammad Nabi was sent ahead of Gurbaz in the second Super Over, wasting two crucial deliveries before getting out — a decision that may haunt Afghanistan.

Earlier, South Africa’s innings had also swung dramatically. Captain Aiden Markram fell early, but Quinton de Kock (59)  and Ryan Rickelton (61) added a solid 114-run partnership, both scoring half-centuries. Rashid Khan turned the game on its head by dismissing both batters in the same over.

Although Dewald Brevis (23) and David Miller (20) got starts, they failed to convert them into big scores. South Africa, who once looked set for 220-plus, were restricted to 187.

In reply, Gurbaz stood tall amid the chaos. He attacked both pace and spin with fearless intent, striking four boundaries and seven towering sixes. After his dismissal, Omarzai, Rashid and Noor kept Afghanistan in the contest, pushing the match into extraordinary territory.

Rabada’s costly no-balls nearly cost South Africa the game, but in the end, Markram and his men breathed a sigh of relief. For Afghanistan, it was a night of bitter lessons. For fans, it was arguably the most thrilling match of the tournament so far — a contest that had everything: brilliance, blunders, and unforgettable drama.