South Africa vs Afghanistan Prediction & Match Preview – T20 World Cup 2026, 13th Match
Match summary
South Africa take on Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on 11 February 2026. Our T20 World Cup preview covers form, key players, pitch and the likely XIs.
Match details
| Match | South Africa vs Afghanistan, 13th Match |
|---|---|
| Series | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Date | 11 Feb 2026 |
| Start time | 5:30 am GMT / 11:00 am local |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Status | Played |
| Our pick | South Africa |
| Toss pick | Afghanistan |
Matches in this series
Match preview
South Africa made a flying start to the World Cup, beating Canada by 57 runs. Quinton de Kock and captain Aiden Markram put on 70 for the first wicket after being asked to bat, and both have been striking at over 170 in 2026. The Proteas have also scored well in Ahmedabad before, topping 200 in both of their earlier T20Is there. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs batting at five and six add power, and Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Marco Jansen give the attack a sharp edge.
Afghanistan showed fight with the bat against New Zealand, even though most of the main batters failed to convert starts. Gulbadin Naib hit 63 off 35 balls at number three to keep them in the game. Rahmanullah Gurbaz needs to find form at the top, and Sediqullah Atal and Azmatullah Omarzai can contribute in the middle and lower order.
Consistency remains the main issue for Afghanistan. Conditions should help batting, and 160-plus is realistic if the top order clicks, but their pace attack has lacked reliability, leaving Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Rashid Khan to supply most of the breakthroughs.
The Ahmedabad surface is known as a good one for batting in white-ball cricket, with pace and steady bounce that let batters play their shots once set. Seamers may find early carry, but it does not last. The pitch generally stays true, so totals can climb, and spinners get only modest grip unless they vary their pace and find the right lengths.
Expected scores
| Innings | Predicted | Actual |
|---|---|---|
| First innings | 165–180 | – |
| Second innings | 155–170 | – |
South Africa
South Africa’s big win over Canada, explosive top order and strong pace attack make them favourites, though Afghanistan’s spinners can make life difficult.
Toss pick: Afghanistan
FAQ
How did South Africa begin the tournament?
They beat Canada by 57 runs after a 70-run opening stand between Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram, which put them top of Group D on net run rate.
What is South Africa’s record at this ground?
They have passed 200 in both their previous T20Is in Ahmedabad, including a loss to India while chasing 231 in which de Kock made 65 off 25 balls.
Who carries Afghanistan’s hopes?
Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the top, Gulbadin Naib (63 off 35 against New Zealand) and the spin pair of Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
Probable XIs
Expected line-ups from our preview. c = captain, wk = wicketkeeper.
South Africa
- Quinton de Kockwk
- Ryan Rickelton
- Aiden Markramc
- Dewald Brevis
- David Miller
- Tristan Stubbs
- Corbin Bosch
- Keshav Maharaj
- Marco Jansen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Anrich Nortje
Afghanistan
- Rahmanullah Gurbazwk
- Ibrahim Zadran
- Sediqullah Atal
- Darwish Rasooli
- Azmatullah Omarzai
- Gulbadin Naib
- Mohammad Nabi
- Rashid Khanc
- Fazalhaq Farooqi
- Mujeeb Ur Rahman
- Ziaur Rahman Sharifi