Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium lit up for an electrifying T20 World Cup 2026 Group D showdown between South Africa and Afghanistan. Sent in to bat after losing the toss, the Proteas overcame an early setback to rack up 187 for 6 in their 20 overs, setting a daunting target for the Afghans.
The innings got off to a rocky start when skipper Aiden Markram departed for a duck-like 5 off 8 balls, courtesy of Fazalhaq Farooqi. At 12 for 1, the onus fell on wicketkeeper-batter Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton to rebuild. What followed was a masterclass in T20 batting – a 114-run alliance off 61 balls that shifted momentum decisively.
Rickelton, playing with fearless intent, bludgeoned 61 runs from 28 balls, including four massive sixes and five fours. De Kock complemented him perfectly, reaching his half-century before perishing for 59 (41 balls, 3×6, 5×4). Rashid Khan, the Afghan leg-spin wizard, orchestrated the collapse by removing both set batsmen in the 13th over.
Post-partnership, South Africa lost momentum momentarily. Brevis contributed 23 (19 balls), Stubbs a mere 1, but the experienced David Miller (20* off 15) and Marco Jansen (16* off 7) ensured no late collapse. Their late surge, featuring powerful hits, boosted the score significantly.
Bowling-wise, Azmatullah Omarzai starred for Afghanistan with 3/41, supported by Rashid’s 2/28 and Farooqi’s 1/32. As Afghanistan embark on their chase, the pressure is on their top order to counter South Africa’s potent pace battery. This match could well define their tournament trajectory.