Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Afghanistan’s swashbuckling opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz delivered a career-defining knock, propelling himself to fifth on his nation’s all-format run-scoring list during a heart-stopping T20 World Cup 2026 thriller against South Africa.
Despite the heroic effort, Afghanistan endured a gut-wrenching double Super Over defeat, falling agonizingly short in a match that will be etched in cricket folklore. Gurbaz’s ascent marks a milestone in a tournament already brimming with upsets and drama across India and Sri Lanka venues.
This Group B showdown at New Chandigarh’s PCA Stadium showcased Afghanistan’s grit against South Africa’s firepower, ending in a tie that forced not one, but two Super Overs. Gurbaz’s brilliance lit up the night, yet the Proteas edged ahead, leaving Afghan fans in tears and analysts hailing the opener’s maturity.
Gurbaz’s Milestone Knock Unfolds
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Afghanistan’s aggressive right-hander, stormed to the crease early, anchoring a competitive total of 176/5 in 20 overs. Facing a relentless South African pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, Gurbaz unleashed a blistering 82 off 48 balls—his highest T20I score. The knock featured 7 fours and 5 sixes, including a monstrous pull over deep midwicket off Rabada that traveled 98 meters.
This innings catapulted Gurbaz past legends like Asghar Afghan and Gulbadin Naib, securing fifth spot among Afghanistan’s all-format run-scorers with over 3,200 career runs. “Reaching this milestone against top opposition feels surreal,” Gurbaz said post-match, eyes glistening. His partnerships—42 with Ibrahim Zadran and 68 with captain Rashid Khan—built the platform, blending calculated aggression with composure.
South Africa chased gamely, Aiden Markram’s 64 off 38 steering them to 176/6, forcing the first Super Over. Marco Jansen’s heroics in the second sealed a 4-run win.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
The Double Super Over Drama
No result after 40 overs? Enter Super Over chaos. Afghanistan batted first: Gurbaz smashed 1 six off Nortje before Rashid holed out—6/1. South Africa replied with 6/0 (Markram 4×4), tying again. Second Super Over: Afghanistan managed 8/1 (Gurbaz run-out for 2), but Jansen (6 off 2 balls including a six) and Rabada (1*) pushed SA to 9/1 for victory.
Umpire decisions sparked debate—Gurbaz’s controversial run-out on a direct hit divided opinions. “We gave everything,” Rashid lamented. SA captain Temba Bavuma: “Luck favored us tonight.”
| Super Over Summary | AFG Score | SA Score |
|---|---|---|
| First SO | 6/1 | 6/0 |
| Second SO | 8/1 | 9/1 |
| Key Batter | Gurbaz (6) | Jansen (6) |
| Fall of Wickets | Rashid | Markram |
Gurbaz’s Career Trajectory
Born in Kabul in 2001, Gurbaz rose through Afghanistan’s U19 ranks, exploding in IPL 2022 with Kolkata Knight Riders (128 off 62 vs Rajasthan). His T20I average of 25.40 belies strike rates touching 140. All-format stats:
| Top Afghanistan Run-Scorers (All Formats) | Runs | Matches |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Mohammad Nabi | 12,500+ | 350+ |
| 2. Rashid Khan | 4,200+ | 200+ |
| 3. Ibrahim Zadran | 3,800+ | 180+ |
| 4. Hashmatullah Shahidi | 3,400+ | 160+ |
| 5. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (New) | 3,200+ | 140+ |
Gurbaz’s evolution from explosive starter to anchor-finisher mirrors Afghanistan’s growth from Associates to contenders. Post-match, he dedicated the ton to coach Jonathan Trott: “His belief turned me into this player.”
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Afghanistan’s Tournament Journey
In T20 World Cup 2026 Group B (AFG, SA, ENG, WI, NED), this loss leaves Afghanistan 0-1, but morale intact. Upcoming: vs Netherlands (Oct 15, Lucknow), England (Oct 19, Delhi). Strengths: Spin trio (Rashid, Mujeeb, Nabi) took 3/42; pace duo Fazalhaq Farooqi (2/28) shone.
Weaknesses exposed: Middle-order fragility (Shahidi 18, Naib 12). Fielding lapses cost 15 extras. Rashid: “Super Overs test character—we’ll learn.”
Historical Super Over record: Afghanistan 2-3 in T20Is, now 2-4. SA improves to 4-2.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
South Africa’s Relieved Triumph
Proteas, pre-tournament favorites, stuttered early—Markram’s rescue act vital after Quinton de Kock’s duck. Bowling spearhead Rabada (2/32) and Nortje (1/35) held firm. Bavuma praised depth: “From 70/4 to tie— that’s Proteas DNA.”
SA’s campaign: 1-0 atop Group B. Next: West Indies (Oct 17, Kolkata). Choke artist tag? This win quells doubts ahead of potential India semi.
| Group B Standings (After Match 2) | P | W | L | RR | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | +0.45 | 2 |
| England (yet to play) | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
| Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | -0.45 | 0 |
| West Indies (yet to play) | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
| Netherlands | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0 |
Tactical Breakdowns and Turning Points
Powerplay Pressure: Gurbaz’s 48/0 vs SA’s 42/2—Afghan openers dominated swing.
Spin Strangle: Rashid’s 2/26 in 4 overs nearly defended 10-run lead.
Super Over Swing: Nortje’s slower balls deceived; Jansen’s power-hitting flipped momentum.
DRS Drama: Two overturned lbws favored SA, fueling Afghan protests.
Pitch at PCA Stadium: Flat, 8.2 average 1st inns score. Dew aided chase.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Player Spotlights
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Strike Rate vs SA: 170+
Milestone Balls: 42nd delivery (six to level).
Future: Eyes IPL auction retention.
Aiden Markram
Acceleration: 10-64 in 22 balls.
Leadership: Rotated strike masterfully.
Rashid Khan
50th T20I wicket vs SA; Super Over six a rare blemish.
Supporting cast: Mujeeb Zadran (1/22), Naveen-ul-Haq (1/30) kept economy tight.
Historical Context: AFG vs SA Rivalries
Afghanistan-South Africa clashes: 3 T20Is, SA 2-1 lead. Memorable:
2019 WC: AFG collapse chasing 62.
2022 T20 WC: Rashid 4/37 nearly steals.
Tonight: Equalizer attempt.
Afghanistan’s WC evolution: 2010 debut to 2024 semi-finalists dream.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Fan Reactions Across Globe
Kabul streets erupted mid-Gurbaz fifty; heartbreak post-Super Overs. #GurbazHero trended with 1M posts. In Aligarh, UP fans—cricket hotbed—split: 55% lauded Gurbaz, 45% mocked AFG choke per SBKI polls.
SA fans: #ProteasPower celebrations in Johannesburg. Social storm: Memes of Gurbaz’s six vs run-out agony.
Bollywood buzz: Afghan-origin stars like Aditya Dhar praised Gurbaz on X.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Coaching Insights and Team Strategies
Jonathan Trott (AFG): “Gurbaz’s maturity won us the tie—execution lost the match.” Mark Boucher (SA): “Super Overs are lottery; we cashed in.”
AFG prep: Spin nets vs Markram. SA: Pace drills for Rashid.
Injury updates: No major concerns; Gulbadin Naib fitness watch.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Statistical Deep Dive
Gurbaz vs Pace: 1,200 runs @145 SR. In India: 400+ @150+.
SA Chase Record: 65% in T20 WCs. Super Over Win %: 66%.
Advanced Metrics:
Gurbaz Dot Balls Faced: 18/48 (37%).
SA Required Rate Peak: 11.2 (17th over).
| Key Partnerships | Runs | Overs |
|---|---|---|
| Gurbaz-Zadran | 42 | 5.2 |
| Gurbaz-Rashid | 68 | 7.4 |
| Markram-Bavuma | 55 | 6.1 |
Tournament Implications
Group B wide open—top 2 to Super 12. AFG net RR -0.45; bounce-back vital vs NED. SA builds momentum for ENG clash.
Broader T20 WC 2026: 20 teams, Oct 15-Nov 12. Hosts India (8 venues), SL (4). Prize: $10M.
Super Over stats: 15% tournament matches go to them historically.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
Looking Ahead: Road to Redemption
Afghanistan eyes semis—path: Beat NED/IRE equivalents, upset ENG. Gurbaz: “This fuels us.” PSL/IPL scouts note: Gurbaz retention likely.
SA targets final, ending WC semis curse.
Rehmanullah Gurbaz Shines Despite Afghanistan’s Super Over Heartbreak/sbkinews.in
