The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 produced one of the most dramatic matches in its history as South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a double Super Over thriller at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on February 11.
Both teams scored 187 runs in the match, leading to the first Super Over of the tournament. When the first Super Over also ended in a tie, the contest moved to a second Super Over, where South Africa finally sealed a thrilling victory.
This match is already being called one of the biggest thrillers of the tournament.
Match Summary
| Match | South Africa vs Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Tournament | ICC T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| South Africa | 187/6 (20 overs) |
| Afghanistan | 187 all out (19.4 overs) |
| Result | South Africa won after Double Super Over |
| First Super Over of Tournament | Yes |
| First Double Super Over | Yes |
South Africa Innings: Strong Top-Order Foundation
After Afghanistan chose to bowl first, South Africa posted a competitive 187/6. The innings was built on a solid opening platform from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton, both scoring important half-centuries.
In the final overs, David Miller and Tristan Stubbs accelerated the scoring to push the total close to 190, which looked challenging on the surface.
Afghanistan Chase: Last-Over Drama Forces Tie
Afghanistan matched South Africa’s total in a dramatic chase. Rahmanullah Gurbaz gave the team a fast start with an aggressive half-century.
A massive moment in the match!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026
Needing just 2 runs in the last, off a free hit, #FazalhaqFarooqi is caught short of his ground as acrobatic work from #Rabada to uproot the stumps & South Africa hold their nerve and force a tie! 🔥
We’re heading to a SUPER OVER! 🔥
ICC Men’s… pic.twitter.com/3V3gnMZaL3
The match came down to the final over, where Afghanistan needed 13 runs. Two no-balls from Kagiso Rabada gave them extra runs and momentum. Noor Ahmad struck crucial boundaries to level the score.
On the last ball, Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out, and Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs, forcing a Super Over.
First Super Over: Match Still Level
Afghanistan batted first in the Super Over and produced a strong effort.
WOW! ANOTHER SUPER OVER!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026
We've never seen anything like this in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
You simply cannot miss this action.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup | SA 🆚 AFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/hgh4SaHBjk pic.twitter.com/x6HXtGAwic
| Team | Score (Super Over 1) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 17/0 |
| South Africa | 17/1 |
South Africa held their nerve, with Tristan Stubbs hitting a six off the final ball to tie the Super Over and push the game into a rare second Super Over.
Second Super Over: South Africa Finish Strong
South Africa batted first in the second Super Over and went on the attack immediately.
| Team | Score (Super Over 2) |
|---|---|
| South Africa | 23/0 |
| Afghanistan | 19/2 |
A game for the ages! Afghanistan gave it everything they could.
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026
South Africa wins an edge-of-the-seat thriller after TWO Super Overs! 😱
In one of the greatest games in T20 World Cup history, the Protea Fire prevails! 🔥
ICC Men's T20 World Cup – SA 🆚 AFG | HIGHLIGHTS 👉… pic.twitter.com/HFaPmVA52j
Tristan Stubbs and David Miller smashed three sixes to post a big total. Afghanistan tried to chase the target but could not match the required runs, giving South Africa a dramatic victory.
Key Performers
| Team | Player | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Tristan Stubbs | Match-saving six in first Super Over, big hits in second |
| South Africa | David Miller | Power hitting in final Super Over |
| Afghanistan | Rahmanullah Gurbaz | Fast fifty in chase |
| Afghanistan | Noor Ahmad | Crucial runs in final over of regulation |
| Afghanistan | Azmatullah Omarzai | Strong batting in first Super Over |
This win strengthens South Africa’s position in Group D and moves them closer to Super 8 qualification. Afghanistan, after a brave performance, now face a tougher path in the group stage.
The match also highlighted the fine margins in T20 cricket and the importance of handling pressure in key moments.
With a tied match, two Super Overs, last-ball drama, and power hitting under pressure, this contest will be remembered as one of the most exciting games of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Fans can watch the highlights on JioHotstar and catch the replay on the Star Sports Network.
If the tournament continues to deliver such high-intensity matches, the race for the knockout stage promises even more unforgettable moments.
