Sachin Tendulkar Backs Afghanistan as Dangerous Force in T20 World Cup 2026
Afghanistan nearly stunned South Africa in a double Super Over thriller, earning praise from cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
The T20 World Cup 2026 witnessed an extraordinary contest on Wednesday as South Africa narrowly escaped an upset against Afghanistan in Group D at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. The match saw two Super Overs after both teams finished tied at 187 in regulation overs.
South Africa, batting first, posted 187 for 6 in 20 overs, thanks to half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (59). Afghanistan, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 84, matched the score but fell just short in 19.4 overs, pushing the game into the first Super Over.
The first Super Over ended in another tie, setting up an unprecedented second Super Over. Afghanistan were set a target of 24, and Gurbaz hit three consecutive sixes in a near-miraculous chase but was dismissed on the final ball, leaving South Africa victorious by just four runs.
Also Read: South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup: SA Win in Second Super Over
Tristan Stubbs and David Miller were key for South Africa in the second Super Over, smashing three sixes to secure the win. Lungi Ngidi had earlier taken three wickets in the regular match, though he conceded 17 runs in the first Super Over.
Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar praised both teams, highlighting Afghanistan’s rising threat. “Congratulations to the South African team on the win. It takes composure to see the game through. This Afghanistan team has the potential to be really dangerous,” he wrote on X.
The T20 World Cup 2026, which began on February 7, continues to deliver high-octane action, with fans eagerly awaiting the final scheduled for March 8. Afghanistan’s performance has marked them as one of the tournament’s most exciting teams.
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