South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a dramatic Group D encounter of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday, with the contest decided only after a second Super Over. The match, played in what has been described as the “Group of Death,” remained level after regulation time and the first Super Over before South Africa secured victory by four runs in the final tiebreaker.

Afghanistan matched South Africa’s total in regular play, forcing the first Super Over. The tie persisted even after the initial tiebreaker, pushing the contest into a rare second Super Over, where South Africa eventually prevailed.

South Africa Post Competitive Total

Batting first, South Africa scored 187 for 6, built on a 114-run partnership between Quinton de Kock, who made 59, and Ryan Rickelton, who scored 61. After an early dismissal of Aiden Markram, the pair stabilized the innings and added runs at pace before both were dismissed in the same over by Rashid Khan.

The strong partnership had positioned South Africa for a higher total at one stage, but Afghanistan pulled things back late in the innings. Despite this, South Africa finished with a competitive score on the board.

Afghanistan Match Target in Dramatic Finish

In response, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz played a key innings of 84 off 42 balls, laying the foundation for the chase. However, Afghanistan were bowled out for exactly 187 in 19.4 overs, leveling the match and forcing a Super Over.

Kagiso Rabada’s no-balls in the 20th over proved costly, though he managed a crucial run-out that kept the contest tied. Afghanistan had opportunities to secure victory during regulation play but could not close the match.

First Super Over Ends in a Tie

In the first Super Over, Afghanistan scored 17 without loss, with Azmatullah Omarzai striking two boundaries and a six off Lungi Ngidi. South Africa responded with the same total, with Tristan Stubbs hitting a six off the final ball to force a second Super Over.

The equal scores after the first tiebreaker kept the match alive, setting up a decisive final over under pressure.

Second Super Over Decides the Contest

Batting first in the second Super Over, South Africa scored 23 runs, powered by David Miller’s contribution of 16. Afghanistan required 24 to win in the final tiebreaker.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz struck three consecutive sixes to keep Afghanistan in contention, but the chase fell short as Afghanistan finished on 19 for 2. Gurbaz was eventually caught, sealing South Africa’s four-run victory in a high-intensity finish.

Team Developments in Group Stage

The result strengthens South Africa’s position in the group standings, alongside New Zealand. Afghanistan, despite a strong contest, now faces a difficult path forward in the tournament after the narrow defeat.

The match stands out as one of the most dramatic encounters of the T20 World Cup 2026, featuring a tie in regulation play and two Super Overs before a winner emerged.

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