South Africa survives Afghanistan thriller in T20 World Cup classic. Gurbaz's sixes fall short – Proteas win epic as cricket legends call it 'greatest ever’.

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."
Published: 11 Feb 2026, 04:40 pm IST
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Get Latest Mathrubhumi Updates in English
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.

