Rahmanullah Gurbaz totally devastated, cries like a kid as Afghanistan lose to South Africa despite his heroics

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Rahmanullah Gurbaz Cries After Losing Vs SA

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed high drama, but for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, it ended in heartbreak on Wednesday (February 11). Afghanistan’s star opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz was left shattered after his team lost a thrilling double Super Over against South Africa in their crucial Group D clash of the T20 World Cup 2026.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz shattered as South Africa clinch the dramatic double Super Over

As the South African players celebrated wildly, Gurbaz sat alone near the boundary rope, completely devastated, and tears rolled down his face as pictures surfaced all over the internet.

Read Also: Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen take stunning catches to leave Afghanistan struggling in T20 World Cup 2026

Afghanistan had come so close to pulling off one of the most memorable wins in T20 World Cup history, yet victory slipped away in the most dramatic fashion after Gurbaz failed to hit a six off the last ball against South Africa.

The Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter gave his everything, showing great courage under pressure, yet he could not take his team home. After South Africa posted 187 for 6 on the back of Quinton de Kock’s 59 and Ryan Rickelton’s 61, Afghanistan showed great intent during their chase.

First Super Over drama ends in another tie after Gurbaz’s sensational knock

Gurbaz attacked the Proteas bowlers and played a stunning knock of 84 runs from just 42 balls. However, Afghanistan was bowled out for exactly 187 in 19.4 overs. The scores were tied, and the match went into a Super Over. It was the first Super Over of this T20 World Cup.

In the first Super Over, Afghanistan batted first and scored 17 runs without losing a wicket. Azmatullah Omarzai hit two fours and a six off Lungi Ngidi. South Africa then chased the 17 runs on the very last ball, with Tristan Stubbs smashing a six to level it again.

Read Also: Quinton de Kock surpasses AB de Villiers to become South Africa’s best batter in T20 World Cups

That forced a second Super Over. In the second Super Over, South Africa batted first and scored 23 runs, with David Miller making 16 runs and Stubbs scoring 7 runs, featuring one six. Chasing 24 runs in 6 balls, Gurbaz almost created history for Afghanistan.

Second Super Over heartbreak for Afghanistan

The right-handed batter smashed three sixes in the first three balls and brought his team very close to the target. But on the fourth ball, the Afghan star got out when just five runs were needed, resulting in South Africa winning the unforgettable Super Over, leaving Afghanistan heartbroken.

After the heartbreaking loss, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan heaped praise on Gurbaz. Rashid said at the post-match presentation, “Amazing innings; that’s what he’s famous for. In the last couple of overs in the powerplay, where we lost quick wickets, put him on the back foot. Overall, he played amazing.”

Afghanistan’s Super 8 hopes alla but end as New Zealand and South Africa dominate Group D

Notably, it was a must-win game for Afghanistan after they lost their T20 World Cup 2026 opener to New Zealand. This defeat has already dented their chances to qualify for the next round of the tournament. The top two teams from each of the four groups will move ahead to the Super 8 round.

Currently, New Zealand and South Africa are leading the Group D points table, having won both of their early games with four points each. Now, Afghanistan must win their last two group matches against the UAE and Canada, but it won’t be enough, as they also depend on New Zealand and South Africa’s results in their last two games to progress further in the tournament.