Forget everything you know about T20 cricket. What happened in Ahmedabad today, during the T20 World Cup 2026, wasn’t just a match… it was a cardiac event. After 40 overs, two ties, and two Super Overs, South Africa finally crawled over the finish line. They defeated Afghanistan by just 4 runs in a second shootout that defied logic.
South Africa seemed to have the game locked. Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (59) set a massive platform, pushing the Proteas to 187. However, Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz responded with a blistering 84.
The drama peaked in the final over of regulation. Afghanistan needed 16 runs. Kagiso Rabada lost his rhythm completely, bowling two soul-crushing No-Balls. With 2 runs needed off the final Free Hit, Noor Ahmad scrambled for a second run. Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out by centimetres. Scores levelled. Match tied.
Afghanistan batted first in the first shootout. Azmatullah Omarzai went nuclear, smashing Lungi Ngidi for 16 runs in a 17-run over.
South Africa’s chase started poorly. David Miller looked rushed, and Dewald Brevis holed out after hitting a massive six. With 7 runs needed off the very last ball, Tristan Stubbs did the unthinkable. He launched Fazalhaq Farooqi over long-off for a flat six. Another tie. 17-17.
The rules forced a second Super Over with new bowlers. This time, South Africa batted first. David Miller reminded the world why he is a legend. He dismantled Omarzai, smashing two sixes and steering the Proteas to a massive 23/0.
Afghanistan needed 24 to win. Aiden Markram made a gamble for the ages, handing the ball to spinner Keshav Maharaj.
South Africa exhaled. Afghanistan wept. The Proteas secured the win, but Afghanistan just added another entry into their book of traumas. Afghanistan might have fought hard, but in the end, they let the match slip straight out of their grasp. This was one for the history books. Surely, the greatest match of the T20 World Cup 2026 yet.