The Group D clash, which initially ended in a 187-run tie, required two tie-breakers to separate the sides, eventually seeing the Proteas emerge victorious by just four runs in the final showdown.
The drama began in regulation time when South Africa, anchored by half-centuries from Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61), posted a competitive 187/6. Afghanistan's chase was spearheaded by a blistering 84 off 42 balls from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. However, the innings stalled in the final over against Kagiso Rabada. Despite bowling two costly no-balls, Rabada held his nerve to effect a last-ball run-out of Fazalhaq Farooqi, leaving Afghanistan all out for exactly 187 and forcing the tournament's first Super Over.
In the first Super Over, Afghanistan set a target of 18, thanks to Azmatullah Omarzai’s aggressive strokeplay against Lungi Ngidi. South Africa appeared to be slipping away until Tristan Stubbs smashed a six off the final delivery to tie the scores at 17-17, triggering an unprecedented second Super Over. Under ICC rules, South Africa batted first in the second tie-breaker, with David Miller (16) and Stubbs combining to plunder 23 runs.
Chasing 24 to win, Afghanistan's hopes rested once again on Gurbaz. The opener kept the stadium on the edge of its seat by clobbering three consecutive sixes off Keshav Maharaj, bringing the equation down to 6 runs needed off the final ball. However, Maharaj ultimately won the mental battle, inducing a mishit from Gurbaz that was safely caught at backward point. Afghanistan finished on 19/2, handing South Africa their second consecutive win and leaving the Afghan squad on the brink of elimination despite their heroic effort.
