T20 World Cup Thriller: South Africa Edge Afghanistan in Double Super Over Drama
A dramatic Double Super Over thriller stunned fans at the T20 World Cup on Wednesday. South Africa edged Afghanistan after both teams tied on 187 in Ahmedabad. As a result, the match delivered one of the most intense finishes of the tournament.
South Africa posted 187-6 after strong half-centuries from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. In response, Afghanistan fought hard and matched the total. Therefore, the contest moved into a Super Over.
The first Super Over ended level again at 17 each. However, South Africa held their nerve in the second decider. They smashed 23 runs, putting pressure on Afghanistan.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz then faced a near-impossible task. He needed four sixes from four balls. Impressively, he launched three huge sixes off Keshav Maharaj.
A wide raised hopes, as a boundary would have forced another tie. Yet Maharaj stayed calm and bowled a wide yorker. Gurbaz mistimed his final shot, and David Miller completed the catch. Consequently, South Africa sealed a thrilling win.
Big Hits and Late Drama
Earlier, Afghanistan needed 13 runs in the final over with one wicket left. Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls and a wide, which shifted momentum. Noor Ahmad struck a six, leaving just two runs required.
However, Noor fell short while chasing the winning run. The scores stayed level, and tension filled the stadium.
In the first innings, de Kock scored 59 and Rickelton added 61. Together, they built a 114-run stand. For example, de Kock reached his fifty in 34 balls with confident strokes.
Rashid Khan later removed both batters in quick succession. As a result, South Africa missed the 200-mark. Even so, their total proved enough in a memorable Double Super Over thriller.
