South Africa's Kagiso Rabada. Photo: SHAMMI MEHRA / AFP
South Africa survived Kagiso Rabada's final-over meltdown against Afghanistan and then a double Super Over drama before prevailing in a heart-stopping Group D match of the Twenty20 World Cup.
In a remarkable match of fluctuating fortunes, South Africa appeared to be in the box seat after half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61) and Quinton de Kock (59) powered them to a commanding 187-6.
On a day of relentless drama, South Africa appeared to be in control as the match headed into its 40th over with Afghanistan needing 13 runs with just one wicket in hand.
Rabada buckled under pressure and bowled two no-balls and a wide before managing to run out Fazalhaq Farooqi with the scores level.
South Africa's Tristan Stubbs hit a six off the final delivery to level the scores on 17 after the first Super Over.
In the second Super Over, Afghanistan scored 19 before losing both the wickets in reply to South Africa's 23.
New Zealand and South Africa remain on course to advance to Super Eight from this group after winning two in two. Afghanistan, having lost to both of them, are staring at elimination from the tournament.
The Black Caps and South Africa meet in Ahmedabad on Sunday morning.
West Indies impress against England
Sherfane Rutherford struck a belligerent half-century and Gudakesh Motie produced a brilliant display of spin bowling as West Indies thumped England by 30 runs.
Rutherford smacked seven sixes in his unbeaten 76 off 42 deliveries to provide the bedrock of his team's imposing total of 196-6.
Twice champions West Indies returned to choke their opponents with spin and bundled out England for 166 in 19 overs to top the group with their second successive victory.
Motie finished with 3-33 from his four overs.
England slipped to third place, behind Scotland, after their first defeat in the tournament.
Australia start campaign with big win.
Meanwhile Australia launched their campaign with a commanding 67-run victory over Ireland in Colombo, powered by four-wicket hauls from Nathan Ellis and Adam Zampa.
Australia shrugged off the last-minute pullout of captain Mitchell Marsh to post 182-6 in 20 overs.
Ireland's chase got off to the worst possible start when captain Paul Stirling pulled up injured after darting for a run off the first ball, his premature retirement leaving them a man down and they were dismissed in the 17th over.
Ireland have lost both of their group games and are now facing an early exit.
-Reuters with additional reporting from RNZ
