Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Swipe for next article

Independent Bulletin homepage

Download our
Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)

South Africa and Afghanistan make T20 history with dramatic super overs

Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz (L) reacts after his team's loss against South Africa at the end of their 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage — Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz (L) reacts after his team's loss against South Africa at the end of their 2026 ICC Men's T20 Cricket World Cup group stage (AFP via Getty Images)

South Africa defeated Afghanistan in a thrilling T20 World Cup match that required two super overs, marking Afghanistan's second consecutive loss and hindering their Super 8 qualification chances.
South Africa posted a total of 187/6, largely thanks to a dominant 116-run partnership between Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickleton (61).
Afghanistan's chase was spearheaded by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who scored a defiant 84, helping his team tie the initial 20-over score at 187.
The first super over also ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 17 runs, pushing the match into an unprecedented second super over.
In the decisive second super over, South Africa scored 23 runs and successfully defended the total, restricting Afghanistan to 19/2 to secure a four-run victory.

South Africa pip Afghanistan to remarkable victory as second super over settles T20 World Cup thriller — In full