Afghanistan fall to South Africa in dramatic double super over

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan suffered a heartbreaking defeat against South Africa after a dramatic double Super Over in their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Group D clash in Ahmedabad, India, on Wednesday.

The high-scoring encounter ended in a tie after both teams posted 187 runs in their allotted 20 overs, forcing the match into a Super Over. The first Super Over also finished level, with the contest ultimately decided in a rare second Super Over that saw South Africa clinch victory.

After electing to bat, South Africa posted 187 for 6 on a batting-friendly surface, setting Afghanistan a challenging target.

Afghanistan’s chase was powered by opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who produced a blistering 84 off 42 deliveries. His aggressive knock kept Afghanistan in contention throughout the innings.

The Afghans matched South Africa’s total but were bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs, sending the match into a Super Over.

With both sides again finishing equal in the first Super Over, tension mounted at the packed venue. In the second Super Over, South Africa accumulated 23 runs, leaving Afghanistan to chase 24 for victory.

Gurbaz responded with remarkable composure, smashing three consecutive sixes to keep Afghanistan’s hopes alive.
However, needing a boundary off the final ball to force another Super Over, he was unable to find the rope, sealing a narrow defeat for his side.

Despite the loss, Afghanistan’s spirited performance — highlighted by Gurbaz’s explosive innings — earned praise as they pushed one of the tournament’s stronger teams to the brink in one of the most dramatic matches of the competition so far.

sa