SA vs AFG, ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan witnessed a massive heartbreak in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026 as they suffered a defeat against South Africa in a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Afghanistan lost the game in the second super over, and their chances of reaching the Super 8s are all but over.
Afghanistan needed 24 runs in the second super over, but they couldn't get over the line despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz's three successive sixes off Keshav Maharaj. He lost his wicket on the final delivery. After losing their first two matches in the tournament, Afghanistan are placed third in the group D, whereas New Zealand and South Africa stand first and second, respectively.
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Having defeated Canada and Afghanistan, the Proteas are placed second in the group D standings with four points. They will next face New Zealand in Ahmedabad on Saturday. Interestingly, Afghanistan haven't been mathematically eliminated from the tournament yet.
How Can Afghanistan Qualify For Super 8s In T20 World Cup 2026?
Afghanistan will have to win their remaining two group games against the UAE and Canada, respectively, and reach four points. They'll then have to hope that one of the UAE or Canada beats the winner of the South Africa vs New Zealand game. In that case, Afghanistan, New Zealand, and South Africa will be tied on points, and the top two teams from the group will go through.
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Interestingly, there could also be a possibility that one of the associate also reach four points, but their inferior run rate should not allow them to go ahead of the top teams.
"The boys did an amazing job, especially after the way they started with the batting. 100 runs in 10 overs, one wicket. And then we restricted them to under 190 was a huge effort. And then the way we started with the bat. So unlucky at the end to be a part of the losing team. But I think overall we have put in all the efforts on the ground. And just a matter of the result, we haven't got the right result," Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan said at the post-match presentation.