Sachin Tendulkar drops big verdict on Afghanistan after double super over defeat: ‘Potential to be really dangerous’

Sachin Tendulkar summed up the drama and intensity of the double Super Over thriller between South Africa and Afghanistan.

Updated on: Feb 11, 2026, 19:10:38 IST

Written by Aditya Maheshwari

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Batting great Sachin Tendulkar shared some encouraging words for Afghanistan after they put up a solid fight against South Africa in the group stage match on Wednesday in Ahmedabad. The two produced a clash for the ages, where two super overs had to take place to decide the winner, and the Proteas held their nerves in the end to claim the crucial two points.

Sachin Tendulkar backs Afghanistan after Double Super Over heartbreak. (PTI and AP)

Afghanistan were bowled out for 187 in 19.4 overs after South Africa had earlier posted 187 for six in their Group D clash in Ahmedabad, leaving the match locked in a tense tie at the end of regulation overs. The drama only intensified from there, as both sides finished level once again after a frantic first Super Over in which they scored 17 each. With nothing separating the teams, the contest moved into a second sudden-death Super Over, where South Africa finally sealed victory off the very last delivery, bringing an extraordinary and nerve-racking battle to a dramatic conclusion.

Tendulkar summed up the drama and intensity of the double Super Over thriller between South Africa and Afghanistan, praising both sides for producing a contest that went down to the wire. While congratulating the Proteas for holding their nerve under pressure, the batting great also highlighted Afghanistan’s growing strength, noting that the team has the potential to become a serious threat on the world stage.

"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," Tendulkar wrote on X.

Former India cricketer Robin Uthappa also took to X and hailed both teams for the match they produced on the big stage.

“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!!" Uthappa wrote.

“Quite hard to sum all that up”

South Africa captain Aiden Markram was visibly drained after a drama-filled day.

"It's quite hard to sum all that up," he said. "It's a tough competition and teams put you under immense pressure.

“A couple of lessons that we can learn. We were not at our best in a few areas, there's room for improvement,” Markram said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Aditya Maheshwari
Aditya Maheshwari is a Chief Content Producer and sports journalist with over seven years of experience covering the sports beat across formats and platforms. A cricket-first reporter by profession, he also follows football closely and considers it an integral part of his sporting journey. His work is shaped by a strong on-ground understanding of the game and an ability to translate match-day moments into clear, engaging stories that connect with readers across digital audiences. Over the years, he has developed a balanced approach that combines factual accuracy with narrative clarity, ensuring that both breaking developments and deeper insights are presented with context. Aditya has reported from the field at several major tournaments, including the ICC Cricket World Cup, the Indian Premier League, and the Indian Super League. First-hand coverage of these events has strengthened his ability to read the pulse of high-pressure contests, whether through live reporting, post-match analysis, or long-form storytelling. Working closely around teams, venues, and evolving storylines has helped him develop a strong sense of timing and editorial judgment. While cricket remains his primary focus, Aditya regularly reports on football and keeps a close watch on other sports such as tennis, hockey, and badminton. His wide-ranging interest allows him to approach stories with broader perspective, understanding how different sporting ecosystems function and evolve. Comfortable in fast-paced digital newsrooms, Aditya is well-versed in modern sports coverage, from live blogs and real-time updates to in-depth analysis and audience-focused storytelling. He believes in keeping sports writing simple, accurate, and grounded, with emphasis on clarity over complexity. At the core of his work lies a commitment to credible reporting and telling stories that go beyond the numbers on the scoreboard, highlighting the people, preparation, and pressure behind every performance.Read More

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