South Africa Prevails Over Afghanistan in Epic Double Super Over Thriller at T20 World Cup

South Africa defeated Afghanistan by four runs in a second super over on Tuesday night in Ahmedabad, capping one of the most dramatic matches in T20 World Cup history. The 2024 finalists hammered 23 runs in the second super over before restricting Afghanistan to 19-2, emerging victorious after the teams were tied for 187 in regulation and 17 in the first super over.

The Proteas posted a commanding 187-6 in their 20 overs, powered by Ryan Rickelton's blistering 61 off just 28 balls with five fours and four sixes, alongside Quinton de Kock's steady 59 from 41 deliveries. The total appeared formidable under lights at the Narendra Modi Stadium, but Afghanistan's chase proved equally spectacular.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashed the highest T20 World Cup score for Afghanistan with a career-best 84 off 42 balls, pummeling the South African attack with seven sixes and four boundaries. His explosive knock brought Afghanistan level with South Africa's total, forcing the first super over. In that initial super over, both teams again scored 17 runs, necessitating a second deciding over.

In the second super over, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs unleashed a stunning assault on Azmatullah Omarzai, smashing three sixes and racing to 23 runs. Stubbs had earlier kept South Africa alive by hitting a six on the final ball of the first super over to tie the scores. Afghanistan's chase in the second super over fell short as they managed only 19-2, with Kagiso Rabada holding his nerve on the final delivery.

The victory keeps South Africa's campaign alive in Group D as they chase their first-ever T20 World Cup title after falling short in the 2024 final. The match showcased the highest level of T20 cricket, with both teams displaying remarkable skill under immense pressure. Afghanistan's performance, despite the loss, demonstrated why they've become one of the most dangerous T20 sides in world cricket.

The thriller at Ahmedabad will be remembered as one of the greatest matches in T20 World Cup history, featuring multiple momentum swings, extraordinary individual performances, and the rare spectacle of consecutive tied scores. For South Africa, the win provides crucial momentum as they navigate the group stages, while Afghanistan will take heart from pushing the 2024 finalists to the absolute limit.