WEB DESK: South Africa beat Afghanistan after a contest of rare drama in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, with the match settled only after two Super Overs.
Batting first, South Africa made 187 for six in their allotted 20 overs. Ryan Rickelton struck 61 from 28 balls and Quinton de Kock made 59 from 41, the pair laying the foundation with a stand of 100 in 52 deliveries. David Miller remained unbeaten on 20 at the close. Rashid Khan claimed two wickets, while Azmatullah Omarzai took three for 41.
Afghanistan replied with 187 in 19.4 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz led the charge with a commanding 84 from 42 balls, including seven sixes. The chase faltered briefly in the middle overs, yet late hitting from Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad carried the contest to the final over. Lungi Ngidi returned figures of three for 26.
With scores level, the match entered a Super Over. Afghanistan posted 17 without loss, Azmatullah Omarzai striking 16 from five balls. South Africa equalled the tally at 17 for one, Tristan Stubbs contributing 10 from three deliveries.
A second Super Over followed. Stubbs and Miller combined for 23 without loss, Miller striking two sixes in a decisive burst. Set 24 to win, Afghanistan reached 19 for two. Gurbaz made 18 from four balls, yet Keshav Maharaj claimed two wickets to seal victory.
The result brought to a close one of the most remarkable contests in the tournament’s history.
