Double Super Over drama sees SA edge Afghanistan

Rahmanullah Gurbaz's explosive 84 went in vain as South Africa clinched a thrilling T20 World Cup contest, winning in the second Super Over in Ahmedabad.

The match was decided on the last ball of the second Super Over. It could have ended earlier—Kagiso Rabada overstepped on the first ball of the final over, reprieving Afghanistan who needed 13 runs with one wicket left. It nearly ended in the first Super Over too, but Tristan Stubbs, facing his first delivery, smashed a six to tie it.

In the second Super Over, chasing 24, Afghanistan lost Mohammad Nabi early and needed 6 off the final ball. Gurbaz, who had earlier blasted 84, hit three sixes in three balls to set up a dramatic finish. Keshav Maharaj bowled a wide, almost forcing a third Super Over, but Gurbaz’s final hit went to David Miller at point.

Afghanistan may rue decisions like not bowling Rashid Khan in either Super Over. Azmatullah Omarzai’s expensive over in the second Super Over, and Nabi opening in the final over, proved costly. Rabada’s no-ball and wide in the chase also kept Afghanistan alive.

Earlier, Gurbaz’s 42-ball 84 propelled Afghanistan’s chase. Despite early momentum, Lungi Ngidi’s slower balls removed Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib, and Rabada reduced Afghanistan to 52 for 3. Gurbaz kept attacking but fell to Maharaj, and Darwish Rasooli was run out. Late efforts from Omarzai and Rashid Khan set up the tense finish.

In South Africa’s innings, Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickleton (61) built a century stand, with Rickleton reaching fifty in 23 balls. Rashid Khan broke the partnership, dismissing both in the 13th over. South Africa’s scoring slowed, but Marco Jansen and David Miller’s late hitting took them to 187 for 6.

Brief Scores:
South Africa 187/6 in 20 overs (Ryan Rickleton 61, Quinton de Kock 59; Azmatullah Omarzai 3-41, Rashid Khan 2-28) tied with Afghanistan 187 in 19.4 overs (Rahmanullah Gurbaz 84, Azmatullah Omarzai 22; Lungi Ngidi 3-26, Keshav Maharaj 1-27)

First Super Over:
Afghanistan 17/0 in 6 balls
South Africa 17/1 in 6 balls

Second Super Over – South Africa win by 4 runs:
South Africa 23/0 in 6 balls
Afghanistan 19/2 in 6 balls