'Craziest T20 thriller ever': SA vs AFG double super-over epic clash leaves cricket greats in awe
South Africa survived a heart-stopping double super-over showdown against Afghanistan to snatch a historic T20 World Cup victory at Narendra Modi Stadium, a match cricket immortals are hailing as one of the greatest ever.
In a Group D decider that had 70,000 fans roaring, the Proteas posted 187/6 after electing to bat, powered by Quinton de Kock's 59 off 41 and Ryan Rickleton's blistering 61 off 28 in a 116-run stand. Dewald Brevis (23) and David Miller (20*) added fireworks.
Afghanistan's chase exploded with Rahmanullah Gurbaz's explosive 50 off 26 – packed with seven sixes – before a collapse. Azmatullah Omarzai (22) and Rashid Khan (20) fought back, forcing a tie at 187 via a last-over run-out and triggering the first super-over.
There, Afghanistan smashed 17, matched by Brevis and Tristan Stubbs to force a second. Stubbs and Miller then blasted 23, leaving Gurbaz to unleash three straight sixes off Keshav Maharaj. Needing 4 off the last ball, Gurbaz fell, handing South Africa the win.
Cricket stars lost their minds online. Robin Uthappa tweeted: "Has to be one of the craziest games I ever watched in a T20 World Cup. Feel for Gurbaz... BLOODY BRILLIANT FOR CRICKET!!"
Dale Steyn, on commentary, exploded: "THAT WAS INCREDIBLE!!!!" Faf du Plessis kept it simple: "What a game …!! SAvsAFG."
Irfan Pathan sympathized: "Ohhhhh Afghanistan… so near, yet still so far."
Sreevats Goswami called it "Absolute cinema !! Both teams deserve to win."
Tabraiz Shamsi, heart pounding, posted: "What on earth is going on in Ahmedabad. My worrrrrrd this is a crazy game."