{"id":22695,"date":"2026-02-13T09:07:43","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T07:07:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=22695"},"modified":"2026-02-13T09:07:47","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T07:07:47","slug":"ngidi-and-the-proteas-triumph-in-unforgettable-double-super-over-showdown","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/ngidi-and-the-proteas-triumph-in-unforgettable-double-super-over-showdown\/","title":{"rendered":"Ngidi and the Proteas Triumph in Unforgettable Double Super Over Showdown"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Proteas bowler Lungi Ngidi celebrates during South Africa’s T20 World Cup match against Afghanistan. (Proteas Men\/X)<\/p>\n

The Proteas have experienced a tumultuous history in T20 World Cup matches, but the encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday took their dramatic story to a new high.<\/p>\n

In a contest that seemed endless, featuring dramatic turns, two Super Overs, and a decisive final ball, South Africa triumphed over Afghanistan, a win that felt more like a release than a typical sporting victory.<\/p>\n

Aiden Markram\u2019s team referred to this game as the \u201cmaddest game in World Cup history.\u201d For the supporters, it was yet another episode in the tale of the \u201cCardiac Kids,\u201d though this time with an unexpected, joyous conclusion.<\/p>\n

While Kagiso Rabada\u2019s speed and Keshav Maharaj\u2019s spin often capture attention, Lungi Ngidi laid the foundation for South Africa\u2019s success. Following a standout performance against Canada, Ngidi shone again, recording figures of 3\/26 that highlighted the match’s intensity.<\/p>\n

Ngidi was pivotal in disrupting Afghanistan\u2019s start, dismissing Ibrahim Zadran with an impressive delivery and completing a clever caught-and-bowled to get rid of Gulbadin Naib. Yet, despite his efforts, the contest ended up in a Super Over.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve lost so much weight today. I\u2019ve never been that stressed in my life in a cricket game,\u201d Ngidi, appearing both happy and exhausted, shared during the post-match presentation. He acknowledged the pressure of being the designated Super Over option weighed heavily on him even before the 40th over concluded. \u201cI knew I was probably going to be the option. The captain just said to keep doing the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Rabada Nightmare<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The match should not have reached that point. Setting a competitive target of 187\/6, driven by bold half-centuries from Quinton de Kock (59) and Ryan Rickelton (61), the Proteas had Afghanistan on their heels. Despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz\u2019s impressive 84, Ngidi\u2019s disciplined bowling seemed to have secured victory.<\/p>\n

Then came the pivotal 20th over. Rabada, the leader of South Africa\u2019s attack, faced a critical mishap at an inopportune moment. When Noor Ahmad sent a ball towards Markram at cover, the Proteas thought they had clinched the victory. However, the sound of a front-foot no-ball\u2014the \u201cwhooping\u201d noise Ngidi later termed the most nerve-wracking sound in sports\u2014echoed through the stadium.<\/p>\n

\u201cI let myself down in that first over,\u201d Ngidi frankly talked about his earlier costly over, but the day was ultimately defined by the chaotic last overs. Rabada\u2019s over was filled with no-balls and wides, culminating in a tie after Afghanistan’s panic resulted in a run-out on a free hit.<\/p>\n

This led to a high-pressure Super Over. Ngidi, bowling first, allowed 17 runs as Azmatullah Omarzai took advantage of the boundaries. \u201cI almost got a wicket again with the slower balls but it just wasn\u2019t to be in the Super Over,\u201d Ngidi reflected. In reply, Tristan Stubbs hit a six on the last ball of the over to trigger a second tie-break.<\/p>\n

In the second Super Over, Ngidi was unable to bowl again and the experienced players took charge. David Miller smashed two significant sixes to set Afghanistan a daunting target of 24 runs. The pressure then shifted to Keshav Maharaj. Gurbaz, the standout performer, hit three consecutive sixes off Maharaj, reducing the equation to five runs needed off the final ball. Sticking to his strategy, Maharaj delivered a wide, spinning ball, which Gurbaz managed to squeeze toward Miller at long-on.<\/p>\n

The Aftermath<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u201cThe captain said it was going to be a scrap but I didn\u2019t know it was going to be that much of a scrap,\u201d Ngidi laughed. His strategic changes\u2014based on insights from Miller and Stubbs regarding the pitch favoring slower balls\u2014made a difference in the outcome.<\/p>\n

While this victory keeps the Proteas in a strong position for a top-two finish in Group D, it also reveals the team\u2019s recurring vulnerabilities. \u201cYou\u2019re already under pressure in these tournaments, so it doesn\u2019t help when you put yourself under even more,\u201d Markram acknowledged. For the moment, South Africa will savor the win and the relief that comes with it. In a tournament characterized by \u201cAbsolute Cinema,\u201d the Proteas have just delivered one of the year\u2019s most intense dramas.<\/p>\n

Scorecard Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n

South Africa: 187\/6 (Rickelton 61, De Kock 59; Omarzai 3\/41)<\/p>\n

Afghanistan: 187 all out (Gurbaz 84, Ngidi 3\/26)<\/p>\n

Super Over 1: AFG 17\/0; SA 17\/1<\/p>\n

Super Over 2: SA 23\/0; AFG 19\/2<\/p>\n

Result: South Africa won via the second Super Over.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n