On JioHotstar, Pathan dissected the game’s brilliance. ‘No doubt, this ranks as one of the tournament’s finest and slots comfortably into the World Cup’s top five best-ever matches,’ he said. From no-balls sparking free hits to frantic run-outs and botched yorkers, the match had it all, amplified by two super overs of pure tension.

He delved into the bowling tactics, explaining how pacers leaked runs under duress while slower deliveries turned the tide. Pathan singled out Keshav Maharaj’s composure in the decisive super over moment against Gurbaz. ‘That last ball was class – staying wide, recovering from a wide, and sealing the deal. What a contest!’

Recapping the scorecard: South Africa made 187 batting first post-toss loss. Afghanistan replied with 187 in 19.4 overs. First super over saw Afghanistan at 17, equaled by Stubbs’ six. South Africa then blasted 23. Afghanistan stumbled with Nabi’s early wicket, facing 24 off four. Gurbaz’s three sixes brought hope, but Maharaj’s wide followed by Gurbaz’s run-out on the last ball, needing five, gifted South Africa a thrilling four-run win.

Pathan’s verdict underscores why this match will be replayed for generations, a testament to cricket’s unpredictable magic.

Tensions boiled over at the start of the 14th over during Afghanistan’s chase, centered on bowler Lungi Ngidi’s wristband. Nabi’s prolonged argument with the officials led to the sanction, plus a demerit point on his record – his first in two years.

Match referee David Gilbert handed down the punishment, which Nabi promptly accepted, skipping any hearing. The umpiring team – Jaram Madanagopal, Sharfuddoula, Nitin Menon, and K.N. Ananthapadmanabhan – lodged the complaint under Level 1, the mildest infraction category.

What made the fine sting more was the context: an edge-of-the-seat encounter. South Africa racked up 187/6 after being put in. Afghanistan replied with 187 all out in 19.4 overs, triggering Super Overs. The first ended 17-17, and in the decider, South Africa’s 23 proved just beyond reach.

Nabi’s early Super Over dismissal for nought set the tone. Gurbaz’s heroic three sixes brought hope, but a wide and his subsequent wicket sealed a heartbreaking 4-run defeat. With this result, Afghanistan’s Super 8 dreams lie in tatters, marking a bitter end to their campaign.

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.