South Africa beats Afghanistan in double Super Over

KATHMANDU: South Africa edged past Afghanistan in a dramatic Super Over showdown at the T20 World Cup.

The match went into a Super Over after both teams ended their innings tied.

When the first Super Over also finished in a draw, a second Super Over was required to decide the winner.

In the second Super Over, South Africa posted an unbeaten 23 runs, including three sixes, while Afghanistan managed 19 for two wickets despite hitting three sixes themselves.

Earlier, Afghanistan batted first in the initial Super Over, scoring 17 runs without losing a wicket, including two boundaries and a six. South Africa matched this score while losing one wicket, marking the first-ever Super Over in this edition of the T20 World Cup.

The victory gives South Africa a significant boost in Group D, keeping their chances of reaching the Super 8 strong, while Afghanistan now faces elimination after suffering back-to-back defeats.

Group D standings show New Zealand and South Africa level on four points each.

Afghanistan was bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs, with opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivering a stellar 84 off 42 balls, hitting four fours and seven sixes.

Nur Ahmad added a quick 15 runs off 9 balls, including two sixes, to tie the match.

Lungi Ngidi starred with the ball for South Africa, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs.

South Africa, batting first, posted 187 for six, with Ryan Rickelton top-scoring with 61 off just 28 balls, featuring five boundaries and four sixes. Quinton de Kock contributed 59 off 41 balls.

Afghanistan’s Ajmatullah Omarzai claimed three wickets, while Rashid Khan took two.

The thrilling encounter not only entertained fans worldwide but also marked a historic moment as the tournament witnessed its first-ever Super Over.