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South Africa’s fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi and Kagiso Rabada were in red-hot form as they gave Afghanistan two crucial early blows in consecutive overs during their Group D match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 11.
Afghanistan suffer double duck shock in T20 World Cup 2026
On the fourth ball of the fifth over, Lungi Ngidi dismissed Gulbadin Naib’s two-ball duck before Kagiso Rabada sent Sediqullah Atal back to the dugout for a three-ball duck, courtesy of Marco Jansen Jansen’s stunning catch on the second ball of the sixth over in Ahmedabad.
Also read: Quinton de Kock surpasses AB de Villiers to become South Africa’s top batsman in T20 World Cup
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How Lungi Ngidi defeated Gulbadin Naib
Ngidi bowled a smart slow ball, slowed down the pace and rolled his fingers on the seam, outsmarting the former Afghanistan captain. Naib stepped forward to defend carefully. But the ball did something unexpected. After the pitch, it changes direction slightly and moves backwards.
When Nabb tried to block the ball, it hit the thick inside edge of his bat instead of the middle. Unfortunately for Afghanistan, the ball popped up in the air and returned to the bowler.
However, the task was not easy as Ngidi had to react quickly. The Proteas star ran forward, dived low and grabbed the ball safely with both hands just before it touched the ground, completing a purely athletic catch that sent Nab back to the dugout.
Kagiso Rabada makes key breakthrough, Afghanistan in big trouble
After a few overs, Kagiso Rabada gave South Africa another big breakthrough, putting Afghanistan in big trouble as they chased 189 runs to win the 2026 T20 World Cup group stage. Rabada delivered a long pitch that was angled to left-hander Sediqullah Atal.
After the pitch, the ball moves toward his body. Atal tries to flick towards the leg side. However, the Afghanistan batsman came inside the line to bat but he could not hold on. The ball rises in the air and stays near the short fine leg area.
Marco Jansen, who was stationed there, moved slightly. He used his length and long arms to slide to the side and catch the ball with clean hands. Attal was dismissed with 3 goals and 0 points as South Africa took strong control of the game in Ahmedabad.
— Drizzyat12Kennyat8 (@45kennyat7PM) February 11, 2026
Earlier, South Africa posted a record of 187/6 in 20 overs, thanks to a stunning fifty from Quinton de Kock (59 off 41 balls) and Ryan Rickelton (61 off 28 balls) against Afghanistan. For Afghanistan, Azmatullah Omarzai was the standout bowler with three scalps while skipper Rashid Khan took two wickets in the ongoing Group D clash on Wednesday.
South Africa’s defeat could end their 2026 T20 World Cup dreams
In the ongoing 2026 T20 World Cup, the Afghanistan team is already facing tremendous pressure. After losing to New Zealand in their first match, they now find themselves in a must-win situation against South Africa. If they lose again today, their chances of Super 8 will be very slim.
Their final two group games are against the UAE and Canada, but another loss would see them fall behind in the competition. In Group D, Team New Zealand has made a strong statement with two overwhelming wins. South Africa also defeated Canada in their first game.
Both teams look very strong and Afghanistan cannot afford to lose again, especially after reaching the semi-finals in the last T20 World Cup.
