With only two spots available in the Super Eight stage from each group, Afghanistan face a must-win scenario when they lock horns with an in-form South Africa in their Group D encounter of the T20 World Cup on Wednesday.
South Africa currently sit comfortably at the top of the table after a dominant 57-run win over Canada, a result that lifted their net run rate to an imposing 2.850 along with two valuable points. The Proteas have looked a cut above the rest early in the competition and will be keen to tighten their grip on qualification.
Afghanistan, in contrast, find themselves under pressure after a five-wicket loss to New Zealand. That defeat pushed them down to third place in the group with a net run rate of -1.162, leaving them with little margin for error. To stay in contention for a Super Eight berth, Afghanistan not only need a positive result but also a significant improvement in their net run rate.
As a result, Group D is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested sections of the tournament. Afghanistan remain a dangerous outfit capable of upsetting established sides, but consistency will be key if they are to progress.
The battle at the top is expected to intensify, with last edition’s runners-up South Africa and the ever-resilient New Zealand emerging as early front-runners. Their form has added an extra edge to the group, ensuring heightened tension as the first round unfolds.
Historically, Afghanistan have struggled against South Africa at T20 World Cups. The two sides have met only three times in the tournament’s history, with the Proteas emerging victorious on each occasion — by nine wickets in the 2024 edition, by 37 runs in 2016, and by a commanding 59-run margin in 2010.
South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup: Live streaming details
When is the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match?The South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match will be played on Wednesday, February 11.
What time will the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match be played?The match will start at 11:00 am IST, with the toss scheduled for 10:30 am IST.
Where will the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match be played?The South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match will be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Where can we watch the live telecast of the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match?The match will be broadcast live on the Star Sports Network.
Where can we follow the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup match online?Live updates and coverage will be available on TimesofIndia.com.
South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup: Likely XIs
Afghanistan:Rahmanullah Gurbaz(w), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan(c), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi
South Africa:Aiden Markram(c), Quinton de Kock(w), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup: Squads
Afghanistan: Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Darwish Rasooli, Mohammad Ishaq (wk), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Shahidullah, Abdollah Ahmadzai, Faqalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman.
South Africa: Aiden Markram (c), Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock (wk), David Miller, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Jason Smith, Tristan Stubbs, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Kewna Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada.
Get the latest ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 updates, including the full schedule, teams, live scores, points table, and key series stats such as top run-scorers and wicket-takers.
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