Afghanistan face a must win situation when they meet South Africa in a Group D match of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 on Wednesday. With only two teams qualifying from each group for the Super Eight stage, another defeat could end Afghanistan’s campaign early.
South Africa is sitting comfortably at the top of the group after a big 57-run win over Canada. That victory pushed their net run rate to 2.850 and gave them early control of the group.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, slipped to third after a five-wicket loss to New Zealand. Their net run rate has dropped to -1.162, making this match even more important.
Afghanistan needs a big improvement.
Afghanistan showed promise with the bat against New Zealand as Gulbadin Naib scored a quick 63 and helped the team reach 182 for six. However, their bowling let them down badly.
The decision to leave out Noor Ahmad backfired as the fast bowlers failed to control the run flow. Even captain Rashid Khan had a rare off day, conceding 36 runs without much impact.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman was the only bright spot with the ball. Afghanistan are expected to bring Noor Ahmad back into the playing eleven to strengthen their spin attack on a red soil pitch.
Rashid Khan’s experience in Indian conditions will be key as Afghanistan look to stay alive in the tournament.
South Africa is riding high on confidence.
South Africa comes into the match full of confidence after an all-round show against Canada. Captain Aiden Markram led from the front with a half-century, while David Miller and Tristan Stubbs finished strongly.
Their bowlers were just as sharp, with Lungi Ngidi picking up four wickets. The Proteas also have history on their side, having beaten Afghanistan in all three previous T20 World Cup meetings.
Quinton de Kock will be in focus as he closes in on 3000 T20I runs, while young Dewald Brevis will look to improve his recent form.
Pitch and conditions
The match will be played on a red soil pitch in Ahmedabad. The average first-innings score at the venue has been high, and another run-heavy contest is expected. The match starts at 11 am IST with clear weather and temperatures around 30 degrees.
Probable teams
Afghanistan probable eleven
Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi
South Africa’s probable eleven
Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi
Final word
Afghanistan have little margin for error. A loss here could make qualification nearly impossible, while a win would throw Group D wide open. South Africa, however, will look to continue their strong start and move one step closer to the Super Eight stage.
