In a breathtaking finish at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 Group D clash between South Africa and Afghanistan, pacer Kagiso Rabada’s two crucial no balls in the final over dramatically shifted momentum and ensured the match headed into the tournament’s first Super Over.

South Africa set a formidable total of 187/6, powered by aggressive batting from the top order, including impactful contributions from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton. Afghanistan, chasing 188, showcased resilience and intent, keeping wickets in hand and the required run rate within reach deep into the innings.

The penultimate over had set the stage for a thrilling finale. Afghanistan needed only a handful of runs off the last over with their lower order holding firm and the pressure squarely on South Africa’s premier fast bowler. Rabada, entrusted with defending a narrow advantage, began with sharp pace and tight lines. But the intensity of the moment soon began to show.

On a crucial delivery late in the over, Rabada overstepped the crease and bowled a no ball, handing Afghanistan a vital extra run and a free hit. The mistake proved costly, as it allowed the chasing side to maintain momentum and composure in a high-pressure situation. Moments later, in a stunning repeat error, Rabada delivered a second no ball, extending the over and further increasing the tension for South Africa.

Those two no balls proved decisive. They not only gifted Afghanistan additional runs but also disrupted the bowler’s rhythm at the worst possible time. Afghanistan capitalised on the opportunity, squeezing out the runs required to level the scores. A dramatic finish on the final legal delivery confirmed a tie, sending the contest into a Super Over, the first of the 2026 tournament.

The match will be remembered as a classic example of how tiny margins define T20 cricket. Even world-class bowlers can falter under pressure, and Rabada’s rare lapse in discipline highlighted just how unforgiving the format can be in crunch moments.

For fans, the contest delivered everything: big hitting, tense final-over drama, and a historic Super Over finish. The thrilling clash instantly became one of the standout matches of the T20 World Cup 2026, reinforcing why the shortest format remains the most unpredictable spectacle in international cricket.