187/10 (19.4)
CR : 9.51
187/6 (20.0)
CR : 9.35
South Africa won in superover 🏆
Player of the Match
Lungi Ngidi
3/26 & 0/17
Highest Individual Scores in a Super Over in T20Is (by Full Member Nations):
25 – Chris Gayle vs Daniel Vettori, Auckland, 2008
18 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Keshav Maharaj, Ahmedabad, 2026*
16 – Azmatullah Omarzai vs Lungi Ngidi, Ahmedabad, 2026*
16 – David Miller vs Azmatullah Omarzai, Ahmedabad, 2026*
15 – Rohit Sharma vs Tim Southee, Hamilton, 2020
25 – Chris Gayle vs Daniel Vettori, Auckland, 2008
18 – Rahmanullah Gurbaz vs Keshav Maharaj, Ahmedabad, 2026*
16 – Azmatullah Omarzai vs Lungi Ngidi, Ahmedabad, 2026*
16 – David Miller vs Azmatullah Omarzai, Ahmedabad, 2026*
15 – Rohit Sharma vs Tim Southee, Hamilton, 2020
3:18 PM IST, Local Time: PHEW! What a game of cricket we’ve just witnessed at the Narendra Modi Stadium! A couple of no-balls in the final over, a dramatic run-out on a free hit, and the match ended in a tie. Both teams scored identical totals in the first Super Over, keeping the tension sky-high. Gurbaz nearly pulled off a heist in the second Super Over, but the pendulum eventually swung South Africa’s way as they clinched victory in this enthralling contest.
Earlier, South Africa posted a competitive 187/6 after being asked to bat first, built around a commanding 114-run second-wicket partnership between Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61). After losing Aiden Markram early, the two left-handers steadied the innings and brought up their half-centuries to put the Proteas in a strong position.
Rashid Khan turned the tide briefly by dismissing both set batters in the space of three balls, allowing Afghanistan to apply pressure for a while. Dewald Brevis added a useful 23, while David Miller’s unbeaten 20 and Marco Jansen’s late cameo of 16 off 7 ensured a strong finish. Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi chipped in with two and one wickets, respectively.
In reply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a flying start, adding 51 runs for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 12. However, Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal departed for ducks as Afghanistan lost three wickets in quick succession to slip to 52/3.
Gurbaz continued his aggressive approach and stitched together a crucial 69-run stand with Darwish Rasooli (15) for the fourth wicket. The wicketkeeper-batter brought up his fifty and went on to score a brilliant 84 but couldn’t carry his bat through. Afghanistan lost a couple more wickets soon after, but Azmatullah Omarzai (22) and Rashid Khan (20) played brisk cameos to keep the chase alive, though they couldn’t finish the job.
The game seemed done and dusted until Noor Ahmad turned it on its head. He started with a six and brought the equation down to 13 off the final over with one wicket in hand. Rabada dismissed Noor off the first ball of the final over, but it was a no-ball — a massive turning point. Noor smashed a six to reduce the target to five off four, and another no-ball further dented South Africa. In a dramatic twist, Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out at the bowler’s end while attempting a second run off a free hit, and the match ended in a tie as Afghanistan were all out for 187 in 19.4 overs.
Lungi Ngidi was the standout bowler for South Africa, picking up three wickets. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, George Linde, and Keshav Maharaj claimed one wicket each, but apart from Maharaj, the other three were slightly expensive.
Earlier, South Africa posted a competitive 187/6 after being asked to bat first, built around a commanding 114-run second-wicket partnership between Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61). After losing Aiden Markram early, the two left-handers steadied the innings and brought up their half-centuries to put the Proteas in a strong position.
Rashid Khan turned the tide briefly by dismissing both set batters in the space of three balls, allowing Afghanistan to apply pressure for a while. Dewald Brevis added a useful 23, while David Miller’s unbeaten 20 and Marco Jansen’s late cameo of 16 off 7 ensured a strong finish. Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Rashid Khan and Fazalhaq Farooqi chipped in with two and one wickets, respectively.
In reply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave Afghanistan a flying start, adding 51 runs for the first wicket with Ibrahim Zadran, who contributed 12. However, Gulbadin Naib and Sediqullah Atal departed for ducks as Afghanistan lost three wickets in quick succession to slip to 52/3.
Gurbaz continued his aggressive approach and stitched together a crucial 69-run stand with Darwish Rasooli (15) for the fourth wicket. The wicketkeeper-batter brought up his fifty and went on to score a brilliant 84 but couldn’t carry his bat through. Afghanistan lost a couple more wickets soon after, but Azmatullah Omarzai (22) and Rashid Khan (20) played brisk cameos to keep the chase alive, though they couldn’t finish the job.
The game seemed done and dusted until Noor Ahmad turned it on its head. He started with a six and brought the equation down to 13 off the final over with one wicket in hand. Rabada dismissed Noor off the first ball of the final over, but it was a no-ball — a massive turning point. Noor smashed a six to reduce the target to five off four, and another no-ball further dented South Africa. In a dramatic twist, Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out at the bowler’s end while attempting a second run off a free hit, and the match ended in a tie as Afghanistan were all out for 187 in 19.4 overs.
Lungi Ngidi was the standout bowler for South Africa, picking up three wickets. Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, George Linde, and Keshav Maharaj claimed one wicket each, but apart from Maharaj, the other three were slightly expensive.
Super Over Drama 👇
Azmatullah Omarzai hammered 16 runs off five balls from Lungi Ngidi in the Super Over to help Afghanistan post 17/0. In reply, Dewald Brevis smashed a six off the second ball of South Africa’s innings, but Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed him on the very next delivery. The equation came down to seven runs off the final ball, and Tristan Stubbs delivered a crucial blow, sending the ball over the fence to level the scores in the first Super Over and force the game into a second Super Over.
Tristan Stubbs (7*) and David Miller (16*) walked out to bat in the second Super Over for South Africa and took on Azmatullah Omarzai, powering the Proteas to a formidable 23/0.
Chasing 24, Afghanistan lost Mohammad Nabi for a two-ball duck, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz kept them alive with a stunning hat-trick of sixes. With six needed off the final ball, Keshav Maharaj bowled a wide, raising hopes of a third Super Over. However, with five required off the last delivery, Maharaj held his nerve and trapped Gurbaz (18), sealing a dramatic victory for South Africa.
Azmatullah Omarzai hammered 16 runs off five balls from Lungi Ngidi in the Super Over to help Afghanistan post 17/0. In reply, Dewald Brevis smashed a six off the second ball of South Africa’s innings, but Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed him on the very next delivery. The equation came down to seven runs off the final ball, and Tristan Stubbs delivered a crucial blow, sending the ball over the fence to level the scores in the first Super Over and force the game into a second Super Over.
Tristan Stubbs (7*) and David Miller (16*) walked out to bat in the second Super Over for South Africa and took on Azmatullah Omarzai, powering the Proteas to a formidable 23/0.
Chasing 24, Afghanistan lost Mohammad Nabi for a two-ball duck, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz kept them alive with a stunning hat-trick of sixes. With six needed off the final ball, Keshav Maharaj bowled a wide, raising hopes of a third Super Over. However, with five required off the last delivery, Maharaj held his nerve and trapped Gurbaz (18), sealing a dramatic victory for South Africa.
Player of the Match: Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi (Player of the Match): "(Did he lose any weight today?) I have lost so much weight today. I have never been so much stressed in my entire life in a cricket game. I am happy to come out on the winning side.
(On whether he knew he would bowl the super over or not) Yeah, I actually knew that I would probably be the option bowling the super over. The captain said to keep doing the same. I almost got wickets with the slower balls but it just wasn't to be in the super over.
(What was his nerves before bowling the super over) I obviously let myself down in that super over. We had a plan which I was trying to execute but it didn't got to plan. I leaked a few runs. So, I just went back to what's been working for me in the past couple of months and with the way they were going, I knew they were going to keep attacking us so it brings the slower balls into play.
(On bowling so many slower balls) Yeah, the message was clear from Quinton, Miller and Stubbs that the ones into the wicket were gripping. So, slower balls were going to be an option. We lot ourselves down a little bit in the middle there. In the end, when I hear that kind of a thing, I am smiling.
(On playing 2 super overs) Yeah. Captain said that it was going to be a scrap but I didn't know that it was going to be that much of a scrap. But yeah, being able to win two super overs was just amazing.
(On the catching department) That's a big part of T20 cricket. We saw in the last couple of games that how important are catches. That's a clinical part of our game and we did pretty well."
(On whether he knew he would bowl the super over or not) Yeah, I actually knew that I would probably be the option bowling the super over. The captain said to keep doing the same. I almost got wickets with the slower balls but it just wasn't to be in the super over.
(What was his nerves before bowling the super over) I obviously let myself down in that super over. We had a plan which I was trying to execute but it didn't got to plan. I leaked a few runs. So, I just went back to what's been working for me in the past couple of months and with the way they were going, I knew they were going to keep attacking us so it brings the slower balls into play.
(On bowling so many slower balls) Yeah, the message was clear from Quinton, Miller and Stubbs that the ones into the wicket were gripping. So, slower balls were going to be an option. We lot ourselves down a little bit in the middle there. In the end, when I hear that kind of a thing, I am smiling.
(On playing 2 super overs) Yeah. Captain said that it was going to be a scrap but I didn't know that it was going to be that much of a scrap. But yeah, being able to win two super overs was just amazing.
(On the catching department) That's a big part of T20 cricket. We saw in the last couple of games that how important are catches. That's a clinical part of our game and we did pretty well."
Time for post-match presentations...
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan Captain): "[On the loss and reputation of being fighters] Yeah, I think you know the boys did an amazing job. Especially after the way they started with the bat, 100 runs in 10 overs, 1 wicket and to restrict them under 190 was a huge effort from everyone. Then the way we started with the bat, I thik but so unlucky to be part of the losing team. We have given all the efforts on the ground and just the matter of result not going our way.
[On not letting the required rate get out of reach] Yeah, we have played a lot in IPL on this surface. The average total here is 190-195. The discussion was with the team that yeah, they had a great start but let's end well with the ball and keep them under 200. We gave ourselves the best chance to chase but unlucky to be on the losing side.
[On Rahmanullah Gurbaz's knock] Amazing innings. That's what he's famous for. He likes to play his own innings, he can be destructive at the top of the order. He's given us a great start. We have lost three wickets in the powerplay which put him on the backfoot. But that's something which restricted him as well. Hit three sixes and then to have 5 needed off the last ball, it was terrific.
[On the two Super Overs] We had our opportunities. In the last Super Over as well, 1 ball 5 runs could go anyway. Could've been smarter. One dive, one ball could've finished it. Work hard for the last one and a half years for this game to go to the next round. Very disappointing. Any time you're representing your country is a proud moment. Will try my best to keep them as up as much as possible."
[On not letting the required rate get out of reach] Yeah, we have played a lot in IPL on this surface. The average total here is 190-195. The discussion was with the team that yeah, they had a great start but let's end well with the ball and keep them under 200. We gave ourselves the best chance to chase but unlucky to be on the losing side.
[On Rahmanullah Gurbaz's knock] Amazing innings. That's what he's famous for. He likes to play his own innings, he can be destructive at the top of the order. He's given us a great start. We have lost three wickets in the powerplay which put him on the backfoot. But that's something which restricted him as well. Hit three sixes and then to have 5 needed off the last ball, it was terrific.
[On the two Super Overs] We had our opportunities. In the last Super Over as well, 1 ball 5 runs could go anyway. Could've been smarter. One dive, one ball could've finished it. Work hard for the last one and a half years for this game to go to the next round. Very disappointing. Any time you're representing your country is a proud moment. Will try my best to keep them as up as much as possible."
Aiden Markram (South Africa Captain): "(On the match going to two Super Overs) Yeah, it’s quite hard to sum it all up, I suppose. It’s a tough competition. These things put you under immense pressure. I think when you start putting yourselves under pressure, you’re going to make life really hard for yourselves. So, there are a couple of lessons that we can learn. Not at our best in a few areas. There’s room for improvement and we can be better. And ultimately, you’re grateful for the win and for the points.
(On choosing right bowlers for Super Overs) Yeah, that was it. I mean, ultimately in Super Overs, you’re probably picking your most confident guy — the guy who’s done really well throughout the game — and it was Lungi Ngidi. He didn’t miss by much in that first over, but they still got a really good total. So it shows you it’s really small margins at this level, which is part of the learning and the things to realise and understand. And same story with Keshav Maharaj. I mean, it stopped being a spinner’s wicket — short straight, short side — but we still backed him to get the job done for us. And fortunately, there were a lot of runs on the board.
(On Proteas score of 187/6) I said to the boys, it’s a decent target, but we’re going to have to scrap and we’re going to have to bowl and field well. So I wasn’t 100% comfortable with it. I thought we left a few out there. But you look at the bowling attack, you look at our fielding unit, and if we can add 10–15 through good fielding and then good bowling, I thought we could make a game of it. But yeah, there are areas that we can improve — small little phases — and it adds up to a lot in this format.
(Confidence gained from tough wins) It does. That is the big positive that you take from a game like this. You need to win your close games in a competition like this, so there’s a positive there. The boys who batted in the Super Over will have heaps of belief and confidence that they can handle being under a lot of pressure and deliver their skills. So there is that side to it, absolutely. And we don’t want to wash that away either.
(On top order) Yeah, they did. It’s important to get a really good start in this format, and that’s exactly what they did for us. The two of them (Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton) have been batting really nicely, taking the game on within their strengths, which is very nice to see, and setting it up beautifully. There are small phases throughout the middle. In the first two games, I think we’ve gone bang-bang in both of them, so we can tidy that up. Hopefully, add a few more runs at the end."
(On choosing right bowlers for Super Overs) Yeah, that was it. I mean, ultimately in Super Overs, you’re probably picking your most confident guy — the guy who’s done really well throughout the game — and it was Lungi Ngidi. He didn’t miss by much in that first over, but they still got a really good total. So it shows you it’s really small margins at this level, which is part of the learning and the things to realise and understand. And same story with Keshav Maharaj. I mean, it stopped being a spinner’s wicket — short straight, short side — but we still backed him to get the job done for us. And fortunately, there were a lot of runs on the board.
(On Proteas score of 187/6) I said to the boys, it’s a decent target, but we’re going to have to scrap and we’re going to have to bowl and field well. So I wasn’t 100% comfortable with it. I thought we left a few out there. But you look at the bowling attack, you look at our fielding unit, and if we can add 10–15 through good fielding and then good bowling, I thought we could make a game of it. But yeah, there are areas that we can improve — small little phases — and it adds up to a lot in this format.
(Confidence gained from tough wins) It does. That is the big positive that you take from a game like this. You need to win your close games in a competition like this, so there’s a positive there. The boys who batted in the Super Over will have heaps of belief and confidence that they can handle being under a lot of pressure and deliver their skills. So there is that side to it, absolutely. And we don’t want to wash that away either.
(On top order) Yeah, they did. It’s important to get a really good start in this format, and that’s exactly what they did for us. The two of them (Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton) have been batting really nicely, taking the game on within their strengths, which is very nice to see, and setting it up beautifully. There are small phases throughout the middle. In the first two games, I think we’ve gone bang-bang in both of them, so we can tidy that up. Hopefully, add a few more runs at the end."
Phew! Breathe, breathe and breathe! Afghanistan end up on the wrong side once again in what will go down as a game for the ages. This was a contest beyond words, pure drama from start to finish.
Two Super Overs, yes two, and somehow South Africa held their nerve to get over the line in the end. It takes me back to the final ball of the 20-over innings when Farooqi perhaps could have put in a dive and sealed it right there for Afghanistan, but that’s the fine margin and the beauty of this game. Credit to Gurbaz, who was simply outstanding with the bat, but sadly his brilliance came in a losing cause.
It's finally time for us to take your leave, folks. This is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentators Akshay Bhide and Deepak Prakash, along with scorers/analysts Bishal Mandal and Manish Bishnoi, and statistician Aman, who brought you every update of this epic clash. Special thanks as well to our helping buddies Ajay Pal Singh and Mohammad Anab. You can switch tabs now as the second game of the day between Australia and Ireland is already underway.
Two Super Overs, yes two, and somehow South Africa held their nerve to get over the line in the end. It takes me back to the final ball of the 20-over innings when Farooqi perhaps could have put in a dive and sealed it right there for Afghanistan, but that’s the fine margin and the beauty of this game. Credit to Gurbaz, who was simply outstanding with the bat, but sadly his brilliance came in a losing cause.
It's finally time for us to take your leave, folks. This is Pritam Dey signing off on behalf of my co-commentators Akshay Bhide and Deepak Prakash, along with scorers/analysts Bishal Mandal and Manish Bishnoi, and statistician Aman, who brought you every update of this epic clash. Special thanks as well to our helping buddies Ajay Pal Singh and Mohammad Anab. You can switch tabs now as the second game of the day between Australia and Ireland is already underway.