The game South Africa vs Afghanistan was one of the most tense nights in T20 world cup history, a nail-biting affair that could only come to an end after using not one but two super overs before a clear-cut winner could be decided. Following the regulation period in which they drew 187-187 and the first Super Over in which they also drew 17-17, South Africa finally clinched it 23-19 in the second eliminator, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz had made 84 in vain.
First, the game on its own was worth the hype of the so-called group of death. With their defeat in the opener already on the table, South Africa vs Afghanistan entered Afghanistan already knowing that a win would leave their qualification hopes on a thin thread. Their charged heavy spin had some adherence to a surface where there was support on but Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton retaliated with genius.
Fazalhaq Farooqi made a timely attack, took away Aiden Markram with astute changes, and South Africa did not go beyond 12 in the first four overs. Nevertheless, de Kock started turning the tide. As a traditional conservative inside spinner in T20 cricket, he had come out to target Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Noor Ahmad purposely. Brutality was ever more brutally represented by Rickelton. The two were as stroke to stroke, and they were raising half-centuries in the same over.
This 114-run partnership in a little more than ten overs made the South Africa vs Afghanistan one of scoreboard pressure. Rickelton scored 61 on only 23 balls whereas de Kock gave him an early base with 59. But Afghanistan had not yet given up. Having been costly until now, Rashid Khan made a single turn that reversed the entire aspect and not only dismissed both set batters but also came near the impressive feat of 700 T20 wickets.
South Africa started with the wrong foot of 126 to 187 to 6, only scoring 63 runs in the last 7.3 overs. The slower bowlers of Afghanistan worked well with three wickets being taken by Azmatullah Omarzai. The chase was feasible at the mid-point of South Africa vs Afghanistan.
Then came Gurbaz. Not afraid, and dramatic, he created one of the best knocks of the tournament, smashing 84 out of 42 balls. His outstroke was dictatorial and he did not even to give his opinion to the tall seamers of South Africa. but wickets went, and tension became so thick that the match was on the verge of getting out of control.
And after that last over of regulation time pure theatre was presented. Afghanistan needed 13 to reach along with one wicket. The nerves of Kagiso Rabada were revealed when he gave the lifelines to the underdogs by bowling two no-balls. Nevertheless, scramble of Afghanistan occurred due to a running confusion. They only required 2 out of the remaining three balls and a free hit so somehow the last pair made one and the game was at a draw of 187-187. It was going to a Super Over between South Africa and Afghanistan.
The drama was reflected in the first Super Over. The two teams have drawn 17 each, and Tristan Stubbs blasted a last ball six to ensure that South Africa did not die when they seemed to be on their deathbed. The initial Super Over took place in the tournament.
The second super over of the match between South Africa and Afghanistan had the highest bar set by South Africa who had 23 runs. At some point, Afghanistan had to get four sixes with four balls. Still rebellious, Gurbaz gave three towering strokes. The needed four off the last delivery to make third Super Over required, and it was only up to but a wide bowled Keshav Maharaj that the end was near. Gurbaz fought to the right, only to appear pointless. South Africa survived.
The emotional alternation was savage. Afghanistan had been inches close to making historic first T20I victory over South Africa. They were simply left wondering what could have been. As far as South Africa is concerned, it was a message of survival despite their lapses in death bowling virtually costing them a fortune.
South Africa vs Afghanistan ended up pointing out the fine edges of elite T20 cricket. The Gurbaz brilliance and refusal to give in by the spin strategy of Afghanistan presented a side that was increasingly becoming stricter. But calmness at critical moments became the divide between the teams. South Africa, which was a semi-finalist in the last one, displayed that they were at their best when it counted.
Now the equation is stark. Afghanistan must probably have more than habitual triumphs over UAE and Canada to progress. South Africa on the other hand have passed the most intense scrutiny of the group but they need tasks on their discipline on the closing overs.
Ultimately though, South Africa vs Afghanistan will be remembered not only because of the double Super Over but also due to its emotional highs and lows, with Rabada throwing no-balls and Stubbs getting a six and having Gurbaz knocking at the door. It was also a competition that took the tournament to a new level and made people in the cricketing world never forget about the unmatched T20 drama.
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