Ahmedabad, February 11, 2026 – South Africa pulled off a nail-biting victory against Afghanistan in a roller-coaster match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at Ahmedabad on Wednesday. The match went down to the wire, requiring two Super Overs to determine the winner, leaving fans at the edge of their seats.
Proteas Hold Their Nerve in High-Pressure Game
South Africa and Afghanistan battled fiercely in a contest filled with twists and turns. The Proteas nearly let the game slip twice but managed to hold their nerve when it mattered most. Key wickets at the death and crucial hitting from David Miller and Tristan Stubbs ensured South Africa finally emerged victorious. Despite conceding three consecutive sixes in the final Super Over, Keshav Maharaj managed to guide his team to a historic win.
Captain’s Insights: South Africa
Aiden Markram, South Africa’s captain, acknowledged the tough competition. “It was a challenging game, and we learned valuable lessons. Ryan and QDK batted brilliantly, and our bowling unit performed well under pressure. Although we lost some composure in the death overs, we will take this win forward and prepare for the next match,” said Markram.
Afghanistan Captain Reacts
Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan praised his team’s effort. “The boys did an amazing job. Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a fantastic innings under pressure. We had opportunities in both Super Overs but fell just short. There are positives to take from this match, and we aim to bounce back in the next game,” Khan explained.
Player of the Match: Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi earned the Player of the Match award. Speaking after the match, Ngidi admitted the Super Overs were stressful but credited his captain’s advice to stick to his game plan. “I used my slower balls to counter aggressive batting. It was challenging, but I’m relieved to come out on top,” he said.
Match Highlights
• Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive batting kept Afghanistan in the hunt.
• Noor Ahmad’s late strikes nearly sealed the game for Afghanistan.
• Kagiso Rabada’s no-ball in the final over added to the drama.
• Two Super Overs made this one of the most thrilling T20 World Cup games ever.
Group D Implications
With this win, South Africa now levels on points with New Zealand in Group D, putting both teams in strong positions to advance to the next stage. Afghanistan, meanwhile, faces an uphill battle to avoid elimination.
This South Africa vs Afghanistan clash will be remembered as one of the most intense matches in T20 World Cup 2026 history. Fans witnessed heartbreak, exhilaration, and unforgettable cricketing drama in equal measure.