Rashid Khan and Trott should be grilled: Gurbaz's heroics hailed as Afghan skipper comes under fire
South Africa pulled off a sensational victory over Afghanistan after two dramatic Super Overs in a pulsating T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Put into bat, the Proteas posted 187/6 in 20 overs, powered by classy half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (59).
Afghanistan’s Rahmanullah Gurbaz responded with a brilliant 84, but his heroics weren’t enough as the visitors were bowled out for 187 in 19.5 overs, with two costly no-balls by Kagiso Rabada proving decisive. In the first Super Over, Lungi Ngidi conceded 17 runs as Azmatullah Omarzai smashed two sixes and a four. Tristan Stubbs then struck a last-ball six to force a second Super Over, where he and David Miller hit three sixes to post 24. Gurbaz came agonisingly close to snatching victory, hitting three consecutive sixes before being dismissed on the final ball. Afghanistan now slip to 0-2 in Group D, while South Africa and New Zealand sit comfortably on two wins each.
Fans on X were effusive in their praise for Gurbaz. Chennai Super Kings tweeted: “Mad respect, Noor and Gurbaz! #WhistlePodu #T20WorldCup,” recognising the fighting spirit of the Afghan team. Another fan wrote: “Rahmanullah Gurbaz absolutely devastated and in tears sitting lonely. ” while a user added: “Fell for Gurbaz, he gave his all but still somehow Afghanistan lost.” One more fan commented: “Can’t believe this game. Gurbaz didn’t deserve to lose today.”
However, Rashid Khan and coach Jonathan Trott came under fire for sending Mohammad Nabi ahead of Gurbaz in the second Super Over. One user wrote: “I will not understand how Jonathan Trott could have miscalculated and agreed to send Nabi above Gurbaz, Nabi has been a pale shadow of himself lately. Nevertheless, respect to you Afghanistan, what a team, what a performance.” Another commented: “Rashid Khan and Trott should be grilled over their super over choices.....why the heck was Gurbaz sent one down in super over...”
Despite the tactical debate, the consensus was clear: Gurbaz’s courage and brilliance had earned Afghanistan widespread admiration, ensuring the match will be remembered as one of the most thrilling T20 World Cup encounters of 2026.