South Africa beat Afghanistan in double super over thriller

South Africa edged Afghanistan in a nail-biting contest, winning by four runs in the second Super Over of their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup clash in Ahmedabad on Wednesday.

The drama unfolded after the match and the first Super Over both failed to produce a winner.

Chasing 188 in regulation play, Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 in the final over, falling just one run short of South Africa’s total of 187 for six.

The first Super Over could not separate the two sides either. Afghanistan batted first and set a target of 18 runs. South Africa matched it by scoring 17, leaving the contest still tied and forcing a second Super Over.

In the decider, Afghanistan were set 24 runs to win. Despite their efforts, they could not reach the target, handing South Africa a dramatic four-run victory.

Earlier in the day, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to field, hoping the morning conditions would assist his bowlers. The decision seemed to pay off initially as the Afghan attack kept the South African batters in check.

Fazalhaq Farooqi struck early, removing South Africa skipper Aiden Markram with a slower delivery that was scooped to mid-off.

However, Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton turned the momentum with an aggressive counterattack. The pair stitched together a 116-run stand off just 61 balls, putting South Africa in a commanding position.

De Kock made 59 from 41 deliveries, while Rickelton smashed 61 off only 28 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes during his explosive knock.

Dewald Brevis added 23, and David Miller provided a late push with an unbeaten 20 as South Africa posted 187 for six in their allotted overs.

In response, Afghanistan fought hard but were bowled out for 187, taking the match into a Super Over and eventually into a second, where South Africa finally sealed a tense victory.