11 February 2026 — A Day Forever Etched in Cricket History

11 February 2026 became a day that will always be remembered in cricket history. At the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, what unfolded was not just a match but a nerve-shredding drama, a test of character, and ultimately, a decision left to fate.

On one side stood South Africa — a powerful, professional side often labeled as “chokers” for faltering in crucial moments. On the other side was Afghanistan — a rising, immensely talented team, sometimes accused of losing composure under pressure. But on this extraordinary day, both teams shattered those perceptions. They displayed not only skill and professionalism but also remarkable composure under immense pressure. In the end, destiny had the final say.

South Africa’s Explosive Start

Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Initially, the decision looked promising when Fazalhaq Farooqi dismissed Aiden Markram early. After four overs of the powerplay, South Africa were 22/1.

But then Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton shifted the momentum dramatically. They launched a fierce counterattack, tearing apart Afghanistan’s spin bowling. Noor Ahmad and Mujeeb Ur Rahman looked ineffective. De Kock scored 59 off 41 balls, while Rickelton smashed 61 off just 28 deliveries. Their 114-run partnership took the score to 124/1 in 12 overs — meaning 102 runs came in just eight overs.

Rashid Khan struck back in the 13th over, dismissing both set batters and bringing Afghanistan back into the contest. The next three overs yielded only 11 runs. However, a late surge from Marco Jansen in the final five overs added 52 runs, pushing South Africa to a strong total of 187/6.

Afghanistan’s Fearless Reply

Chasing 187 was never going to be easy, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz had other ideas. He played a breathtaking innings of 84 off just 42 balls, including seven sixes. Afghanistan raced to 100/1 in 10 overs, and their first-ever win over South Africa seemed within reach.

Then Lungi Ngidi turned the tide by dismissing Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib in the same over. The pressure mounted. While wickets fell at one end, Gurbaz kept attacking, supported well by Azmatullah Omarzai.

The Dramatic Final Over

In the final over, Afghanistan needed 13 runs with just one wicket remaining. Kagiso Rabada appeared under pressure. He bowled two no-balls and a wide — and one of those deliveries was smashed for six. Suddenly, Afghanistan had a lifeline.

With three balls left, only two runs were required. One run was taken, leveling the scores. In a moment of chaos, the batters attempted a second run. Rabada gathered the throw from the boundary and ran out Farooqi.

Scores tied at 187. The match went to a Super Over.

First Super Over — Still No Separation

Afghanistan batted first and posted 17 runs. South Africa sent in Dewald Brevis and David Miller. Brevis struck a six but was dismissed on the next ball. The game seemed to slip away again — until Tristan Stubbs smashed a six off the final ball to level the score at 17.

For the first time in T20 World Cup history — a double Super Over.

Second Super Over — The Final Battle

This time South Africa batted first. David Miller exploded, scoring 16 runs off just four balls. South Africa finished at 23/0.

Afghanistan needed 24 runs.

In a questionable tactical decision, Mohammad Nabi was sent ahead of Gurbaz. Nabi was dismissed quickly by Keshav Maharaj. With four balls left and 24 required, defeat looked certain.

But Gurbaz refused to surrender. He hammered three consecutive sixes, stunning the entire stadium. Now the equation came down to the final ball.

A wide from Maharaj changed the scenario — five needed to win, four to force yet another tie.

The stadium held its breath.

Gurbaz went for glory — but David Miller took the catch at point.

It was over.

South Africa won by four runs in one of the most dramatic matches ever played.

This match felt like a never-ending nightmare for both teams — a dream that kept restarting from where it had broken. South Africa may finally have slept peacefully after this victory, but for Afghanistan, the emotional scars of this classic encounter might linger for some time.

It wasn’t just a game.

It was courage, pressure, heartbreak, resilience — and fate — all rolled into one unforgettable night of cricket.