By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South Africa were pushed to the limit by Afghanistan before clinching a dramatic victory through two Super Overs in their Group D T20 World Cup encounter in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.
The two teams could not be split on 187, and then they both compiled 17 in the first super over but the Proteas’ tally of 23 in the second decider was eventually enough to clinch the win despite a massive scare.
Afghanistan won the toss and sent South Africa into bat, with the Proteas posting 187 for six in their 20 overs.
The innings was anchored by a superb 114-run second wicket stand from 61 balls between Quinton de Kock (59 from 41 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (61 from 28 balls), but slowed towards the end once Rashid Khan (2-28) removed both batters in the same over.
Needing 13 runs from the final over with one wicket in hand, the Afghans were handed a lifeline through two no‑balls from Kagiso Rabada, but Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out looking to scamper two for victory, forcing the match to go to a super over.
There was no winner after the first super over as South Africa matched Afghanistan’s 17-run effort, despite losing Dewald Brevis, but they came out on top in the second attempt.
It is the third time a men’s T20 international has required multiple super overs to be settled after India beat Afghanistan following two super overs in January 2024, while Netherlands beat Nepal after three super overs in June last year.
The win moves South Africa top of Group D with four points, ahead of New Zealand on net run-rate. Afghanistan likely heading home after this stage with only the top two teams advancing to the Super Eights.
They have no points, but games to come against Canada and United Arab Emirates. They would need one of New Zealand or South Africa to be upset by a minnow in the pool to stand a chance.