South Africa face Afghanistan in Match 13 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with momentum on one side and urgency on the other. The contest at Ahmedabad brings together South Africa’s power-packed lineup and Afghanistan’s spin-led challenge in a group stage clash that could shape early qualification scenarios.
Match details
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM IST, 10:30 AM PST, 5:30 AM GMT
Team overviews
South Africa arrive in Ahmedabad with confidence after a commanding 57-run victory over Canada. Aiden Markram has settled quickly into leadership duties and has already set the tone with aggressive intent at the top. The Proteas benefit from playing most of their matches at familiar Indian venues during this phase, and they aim to translate that familiarity into consistency. Their batting depth stretches through the middle order, while the pace attack provides experience and control at the death.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, seek a quick turnaround after a five-wicket loss to New Zealand. They showed promise early in that match, especially with the ball, but could not close out the game once Tim Seifert took control. Afghanistan still back their ability to challenge top teams through disciplined bowling and match-winning spin options. A sharper batting effort in the middle overs remains central to their hopes of leveling the contest against South Africa.
Key players
Aiden Markram stands out as South Africa’s driving force. His 59 off 32 balls against Canada highlighted both form and intent, and his ability to attack spin in the powerplay can tilt the game early. Quinton de Kock adds experience and explosiveness at the top, while David Miller and Tristan Stubbs offer finishing power.
For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan remains the focal point. His knowledge of Ahmedabad conditions and control through the middle overs give Afghanistan a genuine wicket-taking option against aggressive batters. Rahmanullah Gurbaz provides attacking intent at the top, and Mohammad Nabi’s experience adds balance with both bat and ball.
Head-to-head record
South Africa hold a clear advantage in T20 encounters between the sides.
Matches played: 3
South Africa wins: 3
Afghanistan wins: 0
Tied or no result: 0
First fixture: May 6, 2010
Most recent fixture: June 27, 2024
Pitch report
The Narendra Modi Stadium surface promises a balanced contest. Batters need time to assess bounce and pace before expanding their range, particularly given the large boundaries. Bowlers can find control difficult once batters settle, but disciplined lines and variations still bring rewards, especially during the middle overs.
Probable playing XIs
South Africa: Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
Afghanistan: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (captain), Fazalhaq Farooqi, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi.
Probable match scenarios
South Africa can look to maximize the powerplay through Markram and de Kock before consolidating against spin. Afghanistan can aim to slow the scoring through Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman and force mistakes on a big ground. A chase could favor the side bowling first, given dew and the difficulty of defending totals late.
Live streaming and broadcast
In India, viewers can watch the match live on JioStar Network channels and stream it on the JioHotstar app and website. In Pakistan, the UK, and Australia, the match will air on official ICC broadcast partners and their authorized television channels and digital platforms. Global viewers can access live coverage through regional ICC rights holders on TV and official streaming apps and websites.
Match prediction
South Africa start as favorites due to form, depth, and head-to-head dominance, but Afghanistan possess the bowling tools to keep the contest tight. The toss and execution in the middle overs can decide the outcome. The team bowling first holds a slight advantage and can control the tempo on this surface.
