Super over shockers! South Africa shine, West Indies and Australia win T20 World Cup

In what will surely go down as one of the most dramatic games in T20 World Cup history, South Africa pipped Afghanistan after two sensational Super Overs in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, creating a spectacle of tension, big hits and near‑impossible chases that had fans on the edge of their seats.

In the marquee Group D clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium, South Africa posted a competitive 187 for 6 , powered by quickfire half‑centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61 off 28) and Quinton de Kock (59 off 41). Afghanistan, in response, rode the mercurial form of Rahmanullah Gurbaz (84 off 42) and kept the pressure on, tying the scores at 187 in regulation and forcing a Super Over.

The first Super Over saw Afghanistan post 17 without loss, but a towering final‑ball six by Tristan Stubbs dragged South Africa level again and into a second Super Over. In the decider, a blistering 16 from David Miller set a steep target of 23, but despite Gurbaz smashing three successive sixes, Afghanistan finished just short at 19‑2. South Africa prevailed by four runs in arguably the match of the tournament so far .

Meanwhile in Colombo , two‑time champions Australia opened their T20 World Cup campaign with a statement win , thrashing Ireland by 67 runs in their Group B encounter. After posting 182 for 6, stand‑in captain Travis Head’s side never let Ireland settle. The bowlers ran riot, Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa each taking four wickets , as Ireland were dismissed for 115, giving Australia a comfortable victory.

In Mumbai , the West Indies delivered a strong batting performance to defeat England by 30 runs in a Group C clash that dented England’s hopes of a smooth path to the Super 8s. West Indies posted 196 for 6 , with an explosive innings from Sherfane Rutherford setting the tone, while the spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase applied pressure on England’s chase. Despite a late innings flourish from Sam Curran, England were bowled out for 166.

Today’s three high‑profile matches showcased the unpredictable drama of T20 cricket, from breathtaking individual performances to nail‑biting finishes, reaffirming why the T20 World Cup remains one of the most exciting spectacles in the sport.