South Africa’s batting firepower was on full display in their T20 World Cup 2026 Group D fixture against Afghanistan at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium. Batting first after Afghanistan elected to bowl, the Proteas finished at 187 for 6, powered by half-centuries from Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton.
Early trouble struck when Aiden Markram fell cheaply for 5, bowled by Fazalhaq Farooqi with the score on 12. Enter de Kock and Rickelton, who forged a crucial 114-run second-wicket partnership spanning 61 balls. This stand rescued the innings and injected momentum, with boundaries flowing freely.
De Kock’s knock of 59 came off 41 balls, adorned with three sixes and five fours, showcasing his pedigree in big games. Rickelton outshone slightly, racing to 61 from 28 deliveries laced with four sixes and five boundaries. Rashid Khan ended the menace in the 13th over, claiming both wickets to jolt South Africa.
The lower order chipped in sporadically – Brevis made 23 off 19 (1×6, 1×4), while Stubbs failed with 1. Crucially, David Miller (20 off 15) and Marco Jansen (16 off 7) accelerated in the death overs, hitting vital runs to set a par-plus total.
Afghanistan’s attack was led by Azmatullah Omarzai’s 3 for 41, with Rashid Khan economical at 2 for 28 and Farooqi taking 1 for 32. Now, the Afghans must chase 188 on a batsman-friendly pitch, where South Africa’s bowlers, led by their experienced campaigners, will look to defend aggressively. Expect a tense battle ahead.