AHMEDABAD, India: South Africa closed their innings on 187 for 6 after a commanding batting display against Afghanistan in their 13th Group D match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
After Afghanistan won the toss and elected to field, the Proteas’ top order recovered well from an early setback to put up a competitive total on a pitch that offered some assistance to both bowlers and batters.
Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton led the charge in the middle overs, stitching together a substantial partnership that kept South Africa ahead of the required run rate. Rickelton was particularly impressive, scoring briskly and anchoring the innings with a score in the 60s, while de Kock also contributed a quick-fire fifty to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Despite losing a few wickets in the closing stages, South Africa managed to finish strongly thanks to cameos from the lower middle order, with Marco Jansen unbeaten towards the end.
Afghanistan’s bowlers fought hard, with notable contributions coming from Azmatullah Omarzai, yet they struggled to consistently break partnerships once the Proteas settled.
Set 188 to win, Afghanistan will need a spirited batting effort to keep their Super Eight hopes alive as the match progresses.
