South Africa edge Afghanistan in historic double Super Over thriller

By Cricketing Country | Posted Posted Feb 11, 2026

South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic Group D clash of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, sealing a four-run victory in a second Super Over on Wednesday.

It marked the first time in T20 World Cup history that a match required two Super Overs to determine a winner. In the first Super Over, Afghanistan posted 17 runs, setting South Africa a target of 18.

The Proteas matched the total with 17, forcing a rare second Super Over. Batting first again, South Africa piled up 23 runs in the second Super Over, leaving Afghanistan needing 24.

Afghanistan lost Mohammad Nabi without scoring from the first two deliveries. Rahmanullah Gurbaz then reignited hope with three consecutive sixes. With six required off the final ball, a wide added tension, but Gurbaz was dismissed on the next delivery, handing South Africa victory.

Earlier, both teams had scored 187 runs in their allotted 20 overs, pushing the contest into the Super Overs.

Chasing 188, Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 with two balls remaining. The final over of the chase was full of drama. Afghanistan needed 13 runs with one wicket in hand.

Kagiso Rabada initially took a wicket on the first ball, but it was ruled a no-ball, followed by a wide. After a dot ball, Noor Ahmad hit a six, bringing the equation down to five from four balls.

Another dot followed before Noor collected two runs off a no-ball, leaving two runs needed from three deliveries.

In an attempt to complete the chase, Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out at the non-striker’s end while taking a second run.

Gurbaz was Afghanistan’s standout batter, scoring 84 off 42 balls. Lungi Ngidi led South Africa’s bowling with three wickets, while Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, George Linde and Keshav Maharaj picked up one each.

Earlier, after being asked to bat first, South Africa posted 187/6 in 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton top-scored with 61, while Quinton de Kock made 59. Dewald Brevis added 23 and David Miller remained unbeaten on 20.

Azmatullah Omarzai claimed three wickets for Afghanistan, and Rashid Khan took two.

The win marked South Africa’s second victory of the tournament after earlier defeating Canada, while Afghanistan suffered their second consecutive loss following a defeat to New Zealand.