South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 promises fireworks at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on February 11, 2026. This day game in Group D is a must-win for Afghanistan after their opening loss to New Zealand, while South Africa aim to build momentum from their dominant victory over Canada.
The red-soil pitch at the world’s largest cricket stadium favours bounce and carry, playing into the hands of South Africa’s formidable pace attack. Yet Afghanistan’s spin wizards, led by the legendary Rashid Khan, can turn the script on its head.
Cricket fans worldwide are buzzing about this clash. Will South Africa’s power hitters and express bowlers cruise to the Super Eight, or can Afghanistan’s resilient unit pull off a famous upset? This ultimate preview covers every angle – from venue history and pitch behaviour to player form, tactics, and expert prediction.
Whether you follow the Proteas’ explosive batting or the Afghans’ crafty bowling, this match highlights the beautiful anarchy of T20 cricket. Let’s dive deep into everything you need to know.
Match Details and Big Picture: Why This Clash Matters in T20 World Cup 2026
Match: South Africa vs Afghanistan, 13th Match, Group D
Date: February 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST (5:30 AM GMT)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Umpires: Jayaraman Madanagopal, Sharfuddoula
3rd Umpire: Nitin Menon
Referee: Dave Gilbert
This encounter carries massive stakes. Afghanistan suffered a five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in their opener, putting them in a do-or-die position. A loss to South Africa would likely end their Super Eight hopes, even if they beat Canada and UAE later.
South Africa, on the other hand, thrashed Canada by 57 runs in their first game, posting a tournament-high 213/4. A win here would virtually guarantee their progression with a strong net run rate.
Group D Points Table (as of February 10, 2026)
| Pos | Team | Matches | Won | Lost | Points | NRR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | +1.919 |
| 2 | South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +2.850 |
| 3 | Afghanistan | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -1.162 |
| 4 | Canada/UAE | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Varies |
South Africa have won all three previous T20I meetings against Afghanistan, including a humiliating 2024 World Cup victory where they bowled the Afghans out for 56.
Yet Afghanistan reached the 2024 semi-finals and possess match-winners capable of magic on any day. The big picture? South Africa hold the edge in firepower and recent form, but T20 cricket rewards skill and adaptability over history.
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad: Complete Venue Guide, Stats, and T20 Records
The Narendra Modi Stadium stands as a colossus with a capacity of 132,000. It hosted the 2023 ODI World Cup final and regularly stages high-scoring IPL thrillers for Gujarat Titans.
Key Venue Stats (T20s, including IPL and T20Is)
| Statistic | Record/Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 132,000 |
| Average 1st Innings Score | ~182-188 (T20Is); higher in IPL (~177-217 recent) |
| Highest Team Total | 234/4 (India vs NZ, T20I) |
| Lowest Team Total | 66 (NZ vs India) |
| Matches Won Batting First | ~50% |
| Matches Won Batting Second | ~50% (no dew in day games) |
| Ends | Adani Pavilion End, GMDC End |
This red-soil venue offers true bounce and carry, especially in day games. IPL stars from both teams know it well – 8 Afghans and 13 South Africans have played here in the league.
David Miller has scored in big chases here. Tristan Stubbs posted useful cameos in recent IPL visits. The ground has seen epic totals and dramatic collapses, making it perfect for an entertaining contest.
Players who have featured in Gujarat Titans or visiting sides understand the conditions intimately. Foreign conditions? Not really in the franchise era.
For more venue stats ESPNcricinfo!
Pitch Report and Conditions Analysis: Red Soil Bounce vs Spin Threat
The pitch for this South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 match is red soil – good news for South Africa’s pace battery of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, and Kwena Maphaka.
Red Soil vs Black Soil Comparison
| Feature | Red Soil (This Match) | Black Soil |
|---|---|---|
| Bounce | High, true carry | Variable, lower |
| Pace Help | Excellent early | Less |
| Turn | Moderate for quality spinners | Sharp |
| Average Score | 180-210+ possible | Often lower |
| Dew Factor | None (day game) | Can assist chasers at night |
Expect a high-scoring game despite ICC pitches sometimes being slower. The 11 AM start under hot sun (around 30-33°C) means no dew, levelling the playing field.
Rashid Khan addressed pitch talk perfectly: “No-one can tell you how the pitch will behave… We bring the skills into the game.” Tristan Stubbs echoed this, noting a previous day game here produced 203 followed by a successful chase.
South Africa’s pacers will target the powerplay and death. Afghanistan’s spinners – Rashid, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad – must use variations and flight to succeed on a surface that offers less natural grip than black soil.
Weather Forecast for February 11, 2026: How Conditions Will Shape the Game
Ahmedabad weather on match day looks ideal for cricket. Clear skies, temperatures hovering between 15-33°C, low humidity, and zero rain chance.
The hot afternoon sun will dry the pitch further, enhancing bounce. No dew means the team batting second won’t get extra help. Full 20 overs are guaranteed.
Stamina will matter in the field during the warmer hours. Both teams have experienced players who have handled Indian heat in the IPL.
Team News, Full Squads, and Probable Playing XI
Afghanistan Full Squad
Rashid Khan (c), Ibrahim Zadran (vc), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Gulbadin Naib, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Noor Ahmad, Ziaur Rahman, Mohammad Ishaq, Shahidullah, Abdollah Ahmadzai.
Probable Afghanistan XI
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Gulbadin Naib
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khan (c)
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Noor Ahmad (likely in for Ziaur Rahman)
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
Noor Ahmad is expected to replace the expensive Ziaur Rahman from the New Zealand game.
South Africa Full Squad
Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kwena Maphaka, George Linde, Jason Smith.
Probable South Africa XI
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Dewald Brevis
- David Miller
- Tristan Stubbs
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj / George Linde
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lungi Ngidi
- Anrich Nortje / Corbin Bosch
South Africa might add a second spinner (Linde) if they want more control, but their pace depth looks potent on this surface.
Key Players to Watch: Stars Who Could Decide the Match
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan)
The Afghan captain remains one of the world’s best T20 bowlers. Since 2024, he has taken 52 wickets in T20Is against Full Members at a strike rate of 11.3 and economy of 5.83. He is just three wickets short of 700 T20 career wickets. On any pitch, Rashid’s googly and leg-breaks can dismantle batting line-ups.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa)
Explosive opener in prime form. Since returning to T20Is, he boasts a strike rate over 181. His record in India is excellent. De Kock needs to overcome his slow start against Canada (25 off 22) to set a strong platform.
Tristan Stubbs (South Africa)
The finisher in red-hot touch. Stubbs is unbeaten in his last six T20I innings and starred in SA20, captaining Sunrisers Eastern Cape to the title. His 34* off 19 against Canada and previous IPL knocks here show his class.
Kagiso Rabada & Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
Rabada brings express pace and skill, while Ngidi took 4/31 against Canada. The red-soil bounce suits their height and seam movement perfectly.
Fazalhaq Farooqi (Afghanistan)
Powerplay specialist with an economy of 6.42 in T20Is. He must restrict South Africa’s openers early.
David Miller & Aiden Markram (South Africa)
Miller’s finishing and Markram’s all-round contributions (half-century vs Canada) make them dangerous.
Other watch-outs: Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s mystery spin, Ibrahim Zadran’s solid opening, and Marco Jansen’s left-arm variety.
Head-to-Head Records, Recent Form, and Must-Watch Battles
Head-to-Head in T20Is
| Matches | SA Wins | AFG Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Last meeting (2024 WC): South Africa won by 9 wickets after bowling Afghanistan out for 56.
Recent Form (Last 5 T20Is)
Afghanistan: L L W W W
South Africa: W L W W L
Key Battles to Watch
- Quinton de Kock vs Fazalhaq Farooqi (powerplay explosion)
- South Africa middle order (Miller, Stubbs) vs Rashid Khan & Mujeeb
- Afghanistan top order vs South African pace quartet
- Spin vs Pace on a bouncy track
Tactical Preview: Strategies, Strengths, Weaknesses, and History
South Africa’s strength lies in batting depth and pace variety. Their top order can post 200+ totals, as seen against Canada. Weakness? Occasional middle-order fragility, though Stubbs and Miller have addressed that.
Afghanistan rely on spin dominance and explosive openers like Gurbaz. Their batting can collapse against quality pace, as happened in 2024. Strength: Unpredictable bowling and fighting spirit.
In Indian conditions, both teams benefit from IPL exposure. South Africa may look to bat first and set a big total. Afghanistan will hope to chase or restrict with spin in the middle overs.
Historical context: Afghanistan’s 2024 semi-final run showed their growth. South Africa carry the “chokers” tag in big tournaments but have started strongly here.
Tactics will revolve around assessing the pitch quickly. As Stubbs said, “It might be a bit slow and turn a little bit more, but it might not.”
Expert Prediction: Who Will Win South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026?
South Africa are clear favourites with around 70-75% win probability.
Reasons for South Africa win:
- Superior pace attack perfectly suited to red-soil conditions.
- Stronger batting depth and recent form (213/4 vs Canada).
- 3-0 head-to-head dominance.
- No dew advantage for spinners in this day game.
Path to victory for Afghanistan: Rashid and Mujeeb must dominate the middle overs. The top order needs to fire, and Farooqi must strike early. An upset is possible if South Africa misread the conditions.
Predicted Margin: South Africa to win by 25-40 runs or 6-7 wickets.
This South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 clash could be a high-scoring thriller or a bowling masterclass. Whatever happens, the Narendra Modi Stadium will witness passionate cricket from two talented sides.
Tune into JioHotstar or Star Sports for live action. Which team are you backing? Drop your thoughts in the comments on IPL Star – we love hearing from fellow cricket fans!
FAQs for “South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026: Ultimate Preview Guide”
1. When and where is the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 13th match scheduled? The 13th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 between South Africa and Afghanistan is scheduled for February 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM IST at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India.
2. What is the pitch report for South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 at Narendra Modi Stadium? The match will be played on a red-soil pitch offering true bounce and carry, favouring South Africa’s pace attack. Expect a high-scoring contest with averages around 200+ in recent T20s, minimal turn for spinners, and no dew factor in this day game.
3. Who are the probable playing XI for SA vs AFG in the T20 World Cup 2026 Group D match? Afghanistan probable XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi. South Africa probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj/George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje/Corbin Bosch.
4. What is the head-to-head record between South Africa and Afghanistan in T20Is? South Africa dominate with a 3-0 record in T20Is, including a crushing 9-wicket win in the 2024 T20 World Cup where Afghanistan were bowled out for 56.
5. Who will win South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 – match prediction? South Africa are heavy favourites (70-75% win probability) due to their superior pace attack suited to the red-soil pitch, strong batting depth, and recent form. South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 Afghanistan can upset if Rashid Khan and their spinners dominate.
6. Which players should I watch in the SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 13th match? Key players: Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) for world-class spin, Quinton de Kock and Tristan Stubbs (South Africa) for explosive batting, and pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi who thrive on bouncy tracks.
7. What is the weather forecast for South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 match in Ahmedabad on February 11, 2026? Clear skies with temperatures around 30-33°C, low humidity, no chance of rain, and light breeze – ideal conditions for a full high-scoring day game.
8. How to watch live streaming of South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 in India? In India, watch on Star Sports Network (TV) and stream live on JioHotstar. Global viewers can check ICC.tv or local broadcasters like SuperSport (South Africa) and Ariana TV (Afghanistan).
9. What are the current Group D standings in T20 World Cup 2026 before South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026? New Zealand lead with 4 points, South Africa have 2 (+2.850 NRR), Afghanistan 0 (-1.162), with a win crucial for Afghanistan’s Super 8 hopes.
10. Why is the South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 match a must-win for Afghanistan? After losing their opener to New Zealand, Afghanistan face elimination risk if they lose again. South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 South Africa can nearly secure Super 8 qualification with a victory.