South Africa Beat Afghanistan in Thrilling Double Super Over

South Africa defeated Afghanistan after a dramatic double Super Over encounter in a Group D match of the T20 World Cup. Wednesday’s game ended in a tie after the regulation 20 overs and went into a Super Over. As the scores were level again, the match was ultimately decided in a second Super Over.

Afghanistan missed their chance to seal victory in regulation time when Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out. With one ball remaining, that dismissal left both teams tied on 187.

Afghanistan scored 17 runs in the first Super Over. Farooqi kept South Africa under pressure in reply. With six runs required off the final ball, Tristan Stubbs smashed a six to level the scores once again.

In the second Super Over, South Africa batted first and posted 23 runs. David Miller and Stubbs struck three sixes between them to set up a strong total.

In response, Keshav Maharaj gave South Africa early control with a wicket and two dot balls at the start of the over. Afghanistan were left needing 24 runs from four balls — effectively four consecutive sixes.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz was at the crease at the time. Earlier, he had kept Afghanistan in the contest with a blistering 84 off 42 balls. In the second Super Over, he smashed three consecutive sixes to reduce the equation to six runs off the final delivery.

A wide delivery brought the target down to five runs from one ball, raising the possibility of yet another Super Over. However, on the next delivery, Gurbaz was caught at backward point, ending Afghanistan’s hopes.

Lungi Ngidi, who took 3 for 26 in the match and bowled the first Super Over, was named Player of the Match.

South Africa had earlier defeated Canada in their opening match. Afghanistan, after losing to New Zealand, suffered their second consecutive defeat. In a group featuring three strong teams, their chances of progressing to the Super Eights now appear slim. The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the next stage.