If you missed today’s clash between South Africa vs Afghanistan (SA vs Afg), you missed arguably the greatest T20 World Cup match in history. We have seen Super Overs before. But a Double Super Over in a World Cup? That is uncharted territory. In a game that refused to end, South Africa finally clawed their way to victory after 44 overs of heart-stopping chaos.
Here is the full breakdown of how the drama unfolded. You can see the highlights here.
South Africa vs Afghanistan: A High-Scoring Stalemate
South Africa batted first and looked dominant. Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61) smashed a 114-run partnership, setting up a formidable total of 187/6. At the halfway mark, it looked like a routine win for the Proteas.
But Rahmanullah Gurbaz had other plans. The Afghan opener played the innings of his life, blasting 84 off just 42 balls (7 sixes!). Even after he fell, the game came down to a chaotic final over bowled by Kagiso Rabada.
- The Drama: Rabada bowled no-balls and wides, gifting Afghanistan a lifeline.
- The Tie: With 2 runs needed off 3 balls, a run-out at the non-striker’s end left Afghanistan all out for 187. The scores were level.
Super Over 1: The Stubbs Savior
- Afghanistan (Batting First): Azmatullah Omarzai and Gurbaz smashed 17 runs off Lungi Ngidi.
- South Africa (Chasing): They needed 18 to win. It came down to the final ball with 6 runs needed. Tristan Stubbs launched a low full toss for a SIX to tie the Super Over!
- Score: 17 vs 17. (History made: The first-ever Double Super Over in T20 World Cup history).
Super Over 2: Miller Time & Gurbaz’s Heartbreak
- South Africa (Batting First): This time, the Proteas didn’t hold back. Stubbs and David Miller went berserk, smashing 23 runs off Omarzai.
- Afghanistan (Chasing): Chasing 24 to win is near impossible in one over. But Gurbaz refused to die.
- He hit Three Consecutive Sixes off Keshav Maharaj.
- Equation: 6 runs needed off 1 ball.
- The Finish: Maharaj held his nerve, bowling a wide yorker. Gurbaz sliced it to backward point, and Miller took the catch. South Africa won by 4 runs.
Key Takeaways
- Gurbaz is a Global Superstar: His 84 runs and Super Over heroics proved he is one of the most destructive openers in the world right now.
- South Africa’s “Choke” Narrative: They tried their hardest to lose this game (Rabada’s no-balls were criminal), but they finally showed the mental steel to win a tight one.
- Lungi Ngidi: Amidst the carnage, he was named Player of the Match for his 3/26 in regulation time.
Final Verdict: This match had everything—big hundreds, stupid mistakes, and a finish that will be replayed for decades. Afghanistan will be heartbroken, but they just played a part in the match of the tournament.
What was your reaction to the Double Super Over? Let me know in the comments!
P.S. The IND Vs PAK clash is back on!