Afghanistan’s heartbreaking loss followed Rashid Khan blaming Fazalhaq Farooqi for defeat against Africa. Afghanistan ensured many openings to close the match however, they eventually went down to two Super Overs.
South Africa held their nerve to win in the second Super Over. Keshav Maharaj dismissed Rahmanullah Gurbaz on the final ball with five runs still needed.
It was a soul-crushing defeat for Afghanistan. Afterward, Rashid Khan rued his team’s missed chances. He admitted they should have played smarter in the middle overs. He even suggested that a dive from Farooqi could have finished the game during regulation time.
Rashid during the post-match presentation stated, “We had our opportunities. In the last Super Over as well, one ball and five runs can go either way. We could’ve been smarter. One dive, one ball could’ve finished it.”
“We worked hard for the last one-and-a-half years for this game to go to the next round. Very disappointing. Any time you’re representing your country, it’s a proud moment. I’ll try my best to keep the boys as upbeat as possible,”
Despite the loss, Rashid praised his team’s “lion-hearted” effort. He gave special credit to Rahmanullah Gurbaz for fighting with the bat until the very last moment.
He further added, “The boys did an amazing job, especially with the way they started with the bat. To restrict them to under 190 was amazing. So unlucky to be on the losing side after giving everything on the ground. This wicket is good — I’ve played a lot on it during the IPL.”
“The discussion within the team was that yes, they had a good start, but we needed to restrict them in the last 10 overs. It was an amazing innings from Rahmanullah, that’s what he’s famous for. Losing quick wickets in the powerplay put him under pressure, but overall he played brilliantly,” he added.
Afghanistan needed 13 runs from the final over with only one wicket left. Noor Ahmad survived the first ball thanks to a Kagiso Rabada no-ball. He then smashed a six, eventually leaving Afghanistan needing just two runs from the final three deliveries.
The game turned when Fazalhaq Farooqi was run out on the fourth ball. He failed to dive while attempting a second run, ending the innings in a tie. South Africa ultimately won in a second Super Over by defending 23 runs.
Despite the win, South Africa’s path to the Super 8s is uncertain. They now rely on other results to avoid a group-stage exit.
