AHMEDABAD: South Africa defeated Afghanistan by five runs in a dramatic double Super Over encounter during a thrilling ICC T20 World Cup match in Ahmedabad, securing their second victory of the tournament.

Batting first, South Africa posted 187 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs. Quinton de Kock led the batting charge with 59 runs, while Ryan Rickelton contributed 61, providing a solid foundation for the Proteas. Afghanistan matched the target by scoring 187 runs in their innings, forcing the contest into a Super Over.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz starred for Afghanistan, smashing 84 runs off 42 balls, including seven sixes. Azmatullah Omarzai added 22 runs, while Rashid Khan’s quick 20 helped Afghanistan stay in contention. South African bowler Lungi Ngidi claimed three wickets to restrict Afghanistan’s scoring.

Afghanistan required 13 runs in the final over with one wicket remaining, but Kagiso Rabada delivered a composed over to level the scores and push the match into a Super Over. The first Super Over also ended in a tie, extending the contest further.

In the decisive second Super Over, Keshav Maharaj produced disciplined bowling to limit Afghanistan’s scoring chances. The match concluded when Gurbaz was caught on the final delivery, sealing a narrow five-run victory for South Africa in one of the tournament’s most intense clashes.