In one of the most unforgettable encounters of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a nerve-shredding second Super Over after both teams finished tied at 187 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. What unfolded was not just a cricket match, but a spectacle of power-hitting, pressure moments and extraordinary resilience from both sides.

After Afghanistan elected to bowl, South Africa posted a commanding 187/6 in their 20 overs. Yet, what seemed like a competitive total soon turned into a dramatic saga that required not one, but two Super Overs to decide a winner.

Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock lay the foundation

South Africa’s innings had a shaky start as Aiden Markram fell early for just 5. However, Quinton de Kock steadied the innings with a fluent 59 off 41 balls, striking five fours and three sixes. His timing through the off-side kept the scoreboard ticking.

The real acceleration came from Ryan Rickeltonwho produced a breathtaking 61 off just 28 deliveries. His five fours and four towering sixes shifted momentum firmly in South Africa’s favour during the middle overs. Dewald Brevis chipped in with 23, while David Miller added a handy 20 to ensure the innings did not lose steam.

In the death overs, Marco Jansen provided a valuable late surge with 16 off just seven balls, pushing the total to a formidable 187.

For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai impressed with three wickets, while Rashid Khan picked up two crucial scalps to prevent the total from crossing the 200-mark.

Rahmanulah Gurbaz leads Afghanistan’s fearless chase

Afghanistan’s reply began with fireworks. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played one of the finest knocks of the tournament, smashing 84 off 42 balls with seven massive sixes and four boundaries. He took on the South African pacers fearlessly, dismantling length deliveries and punishing anything short.

However, wickets kept falling at the other end. Ibrahim Zadran made 12, but Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal departed cheaply, putting pressure back on the chase. Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai attempted to rebuild, while Rashid’s brisk 20 off 12 added late impetus.

Despite regular strikes from Good luckwho finished with three wickets, Afghanistan stayed in the hunt. With nerves stretched thin and the equation tight in the final over, Afghanistan managed to level the scores at 187 before being bowled out in 19.4 overs, forcing the contest into a Super Over.

First Super Over ends in another tie

Afghanistan batted first in the Super Over and posted 17 runs, setting a stiff target. South Africa responded with equal composure, matching the 17 runs and astonishingly tying the match once again. The crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium could barely believe what they were witnessing.

Second Super Over delivers ultimate drama

With tension at its peak, South Africa batted first in the second Super Over and produced a blistering 23 runs, swinging momentum back in their favour. Afghanistan needed something extraordinary — and Gurbaz almost delivered it.

He launched three consecutive sixes, reducing the equation to six runs needed off the final ball. The stadium held its breath as the last delivery was bowled. Keshav Maharajentrusted with the responsibility, kept his nerve under immense pressure and dismissed Gurbaz on the final ball, sealing a dramatic victory for the Proteas.

Here’s how fans reacted: