Sachin Tendulkar drops massive verdict on Afghanistan after intense battle with South Africa
Sachin Tendulkar Commends Afghanistan Cricket Team’s Resilience in Thrilling Encounter with South Africa
Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar recently praised the Afghanistan cricket team for their remarkable performance against a formidable South Africa side in a nail-biting match during the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2026. The intense showdown took place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad and left fans on the edge of their seats.
Summary of the Match
South Africa batted first and posted a challenging total of 187 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Afghanistan, led by Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s impressive 84-run innings, came tantalizingly close to chasing down the target. However, they fell short by just one run, resulting in a thrilling tie.
As per the regulations, the match proceeded to a Super Over to determine the winner. The first Super Over ended in a dramatic tie, with both teams scoring 17 runs each. The tension escalated as the second Super Over unfolded, with South Africa ultimately securing a narrow victory by just four runs on the final ball.
Tendulkar’s Verdict
Sachin Tendulkar, along with former India cricketer Robin Uthappa, lauded both teams for their exceptional display of high-quality cricket. Tendulkar expressed his admiration for Afghanistan’s resilience, stating that the team has the potential to become a formidable force in international cricket.
In a tweet, Tendulkar wrote, “Two super overs a day keep the boredom away! A game that went right down to the wire. Congratulations to the South African team on the win. It takes composure to see the game through. This Afghanistan team has the potential to be really dangerous.”
Uthappa’s Statement
Robin Uthappa also shared his thoughts on the thrilling match, calling it one of the craziest games he has witnessed in a T20 World Cup. Uthappa commended Gurbaz for his standout performance and applauded South Africa for maintaining their composure under pressure.
Uthappa tweeted, “Has to be one of the craziest games I ever watched in a T20 World Cup. Feel for Gurbaz who stood tall for Afghanistan!! SA hold their nerves under pressure which was great to watch!! BLOODY BRILLIANT FOR CRICKET!!”
Afghanistan’s Path to Super 8 Qualification
Despite back-to-back defeats in the T20 World Cup 2026, Afghanistan still has a chance to qualify for the Super 8 stage. With their fighting spirit and competitive performances against strong opponents like South Africa, the Afghan team has shown they have the potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.
As the T20 World Cup continues, fans eagerly await Afghanistan’s upcoming matches, hoping to see more thrilling encounters and impressive performances from the talented team.
Overall, the match between Afghanistan and South Africa showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket and highlighted the resilience and skill of both teams, leaving fans and experts alike in awe of the thrilling spectacle on the field.
Afghanistan’s Emerging Cricket Talent
One of the key takeaways from the match between Afghanistan and South Africa was the emergence of young cricketing talent from Afghanistan. Players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz showcased their skills on the international stage, demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level of the sport.
With a growing pool of talented cricketers, Afghanistan has been making significant strides in the world of cricket. The country’s cricketing infrastructure, coupled with the determination and passion of its players, has helped Afghanistan establish itself as a competitive force in the international cricketing community.
Impact of T20 Cricket
The thrilling encounter between Afghanistan and South Africa exemplified the excitement and unpredictability that T20 cricket brings to the table. The fast-paced nature of the format, combined with the pressure of chasing a target in a limited number of overs, often leads to exhilarating finishes and close contests, keeping fans on the edge of their seats till the last ball.
As T20 cricket continues to gain popularity worldwide, matches like the one between Afghanistan and South Africa serve as a testament to the entertainment value and competitiveness that the format offers. It allows for underdog teams like Afghanistan to challenge established cricketing powerhouses and make a mark on the global stage.
The Role of Mentors like Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar’s praise for the Afghanistan cricket team not only acknowledges their talent but also highlights the role of experienced mentors in guiding and inspiring young cricketers. Tendulkar’s words of encouragement can boost the morale of the Afghan players and motivate them to strive for excellence in their cricketing journey.
Mentors like Tendulkar play a crucial role in nurturing and developing cricketing talent, providing valuable insights, advice, and support to the next generation of players. Their guidance can help shape the mindset and skills of young cricketers, enabling them to realize their full potential and achieve success on the field.
Looking Ahead
As Afghanistan continues its T20 World Cup campaign, the team’s performance against South Africa has set the stage for exciting matchups in the remaining matches. Fans can expect more gripping encounters, dazzling displays of skill, and moments of sheer brilliance from both Afghan and opposing players as the tournament progresses.
With their never-say-die attitude and fighting spirit, Afghanistan is poised to make a strong statement in the T20 World Cup, posing a challenge to established cricketing nations and showcasing the depth of talent present in their squad. The upcoming matches will be a test of their resilience, skill, and ability to perform under pressure on the world stage.
Overall, the match between Afghanistan and South Africa was a thrilling spectacle that captured the essence of T20 cricket – unpredictable, intense, and riveting. It was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams and a reminder of the excitement and drama that cricket can bring to fans around the world.


