Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 clash delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the tournament so far. In the 13th Match of Group D at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, both teams scored 187 in regulation play, forcing a Super Over where South Africa held their nerve to seal victory.
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 encounter showcased explosive batting, tactical bowling spells, late collapses, and composure under pressure — the complete T20 spectacle.
Match Overview
- Match: Afghanistan vs South Africa
- Tournament: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
- Stage: 13th Match, Group D
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium
- Result: Match Tied (South Africa won Super Over)
- Toss: Afghanistan won and opted to bowl
- Final Scores:
- South Africa – 187/6 (20 overs)
- Afghanistan – 187 all out (19.4 overs)
This Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 result significantly impacts Group D standings, especially on net run rate and pressure dynamics.
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South Africa Innings – 187/6 (20 Overs)
South Africa posted a commanding 187/6 after being asked to bat.
Key Batting Performances
- Ryan Rickelton – 61 (28)
- Quinton de Kock – 59 (41)
- Dewald Brevis – 23 (19)
- David Miller – 20* (15)
- Marco Jansen – 16 (7)
Rickelton’s strike rate of 217.86 shifted momentum decisively in the middle overs. His aggressive acceleration from overs 7 to 13 laid the foundation for a total that looked above par.
Afghanistan Bowling
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 4-0-41-3
- Rashid Khan – 4-0-28-2
- Fazalhaq Farooqi – 4-0-32-1
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 match swung during the 12th over when Rashid Khan removed both de Kock and Rickelton in quick succession, pulling the run rate back temporarily.
Afghanistan Chase – 187 All Out (19.4 Overs)
Afghanistan’s reply began explosively through Rahmanullah Gurbaz.
Key Batting Performances
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 84 (42)
- Azmatullah Omarzai – 22 (17)
- Rashid Khan – 20 (12)
- Noor Ahmad – 15* (9)
Gurbaz’s innings was a statement — seven sixes and four boundaries at a strike rate of 200. He single-handedly neutralised South Africa’s powerplay bowling.
Afghanistan were 121/4 in the 13th over and appeared in control before a middle-order wobble shifted the momentum.
South Africa Bowling
- Lungi Ngidi – 4-0-26-3
- Kagiso Rabada – 3.4-0-38-1
- Marco Jansen – 4-0-42-1
- Keshav Maharaj – 4-0-27-1
Ngidi’s control in the death overs proved critical. Afghanistan lost three wickets between overs 17 and 19.
Fall of Wickets – Afghanistan Collapse Phase
From 164/6 to 187 all out in 19.4 overs, Afghanistan lost momentum due to:
- Tight yorkers from Ngidi
- Sharp fielding from Marco Jansen
- Pressure-induced run outs
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 tie was sealed when Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out off the final ball of the 19.4 over, levelling scores at 187.
Super Over Summary
South Africa outscored Afghanistan in the Super Over through calculated aggression and disciplined bowling, securing two crucial points.
This Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 Super Over result reinforces South Africa’s reputation for finishing tight matches under pressure.
Turning Point of the Match
The decisive turning point came in the 18th over of Afghanistan’s innings.
With 24 required off 18 balls and Gurbaz dismissed earlier, Afghanistan needed composure. Instead:
- Two quick wickets
- One misjudged single leading to run out
- Death bowling precision from Ngidi
Momentum flipped entirely.
Tactical Analysis
Why South Africa Posted 187
- Middle overs acceleration (overs 7–13)
- Rickelton’s fearless hitting
- Strong lower-order finish
Why Afghanistan Fell Short
- Overdependence on Gurbaz
- Lack of finishing clarity
- Death overs execution gap
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 match highlights the importance of finishing depth in global tournaments.
Player Impact Analysis
Ryan Rickelton
His 61 off 28 ensured South Africa were not stuck below 170. Without that innings, Afghanistan would have chased comfortably.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
An elite T20 knock under pressure. However, Afghanistan lacked support in the final overs.
Lungi Ngidi
Bowled with control when it mattered most. Three wickets in high-pressure overs.
Head-to-Head Context
Historically, South Africa have had the edge in ICC tournaments. However, Afghanistan have increasingly closed the performance gap in T20 formats.
This Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 thriller further strengthens that narrative.
Points Table Impact – Group D
- South Africa gain 2 points
- Net Run Rate boost from Super Over win
- Afghanistan gain 1 point (tie)
Group D now becomes extremely competitive, especially with qualification margins likely to depend on NRR.
Records & Milestones
- Gurbaz’s 84 is one of Afghanistan’s highest World Cup knocks
- Rickelton’s 61 is his fastest T20 World Cup fifty
- First Super Over match in Group D 2026 edition
Expert Verdict
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 tie demonstrates:
- Afghanistan are no longer underdogs
- South Africa’s composure in crunch moments remains elite
- Death overs win tournaments
If Afghanistan convert such tight matches into wins, they become serious semi-final contenders.
FAQs
Who won Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026?
Match tied. South Africa won in the Super Over.
What were the final scores?
Both teams scored 187 in regulation play.
Who was top scorer for Afghanistan?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz – 84 (42).
Who was top scorer for South Africa?
Ryan Rickelton – 61 (28).
Where was the match played?
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Conclusion
The Afghanistan vs South Africa T20 World Cup 2026 clash will be remembered as one of the most dramatic games of the tournament. Both teams matched each other shot for shot, but South Africa’s composure in the Super Over ensured victory.
Afghanistan walk away with pride but also regret. South Africa walk away with two points and a psychological edge.
This was not just a tie.
It was a statement game in Group D.
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