Afghanistan National Cricket Team vs South Africa National Cricket Team Match Scorecard — the next scheduled meeting between these sides is set for 11 February 2026 (13th Match, Group D) at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Motera, Ahmedabad — a 20-over T20 match in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Head – To – Head Results and Quick Chart
These two teams haven’t met loads of times in T20 World Cups, but their recent showdowns tell a clear story: South Africa have historically dominated the scoreboard. Key past meetings include South Africa wins in 2010 (May 5), 2016 (March 20) and the memorable semi-final on 27 June 2024 where Afghanistan were bowled out for a very low total. Below is a compact results snapshot so you see the pattern at a glance (date — winner — result): 05/05/2010 — South Africa — won by 59 runs; 20/03/2016 — South Africa — won by 37 runs; 27/06/2024 — South Africa — won by 9 wickets.
Semi Final Bowling Clinic and Collapse
The most headline – grabbing meeting was the 2024 T20 World Cup semi – final : Afghanistan were bundled out for 56, and South Africa chased it down in under nine overs, finishing 60/1. Marco Jansen led the charge with 3 for 16, while Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi all chipped in with crucial wickets — a classic example of pace – plus – spin wrecking a lightweight batting order on a tricky pitch. On the chase, Reeza Hendricks (29*) and Aiden Markram (23*) made short work of the target. That match is a helpful template for thinking about how South African quicks can skittle even confident batting lines.
2016 Batting Blitz and Key Figures
Back in Mumbai, March 20, 2016, the game swung the other way — South Africa posted 209/5, thanks to a brutal AB de Villiers cameo (power hitting across fewer balls) and solid support from Quinton de Kock (45 off 31). Afghanistan’s Mohammad Shahzad and company replied stoutly with 172/10 but fell short. That match shows South Africa’s ability to pile up T20 totals when their top order clicks and explains why chasing them needs more than one sustained hitter.
2010 Early Clash and Score Snapshot
The 2010 clash was an earlier indicator: South Africa’s 139/7 was enough to beat Afghanistan who managed only 80 in reply (Afghanistan were all out in 16 overs). The takeaway from this older game is the contrast in experience and depth — South Africa’s line-up then had Test – level names and the batting depth showed through. Trends from old matches still teach one thing: Afghanistan have improved massively since then, but top – level power from SA has long been a challenge.
Players to Watch with Recent Numbers
Who to watch for the match? For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan remains the heartbeat in the middle overs : wickets, tight economy and clever variations keep him near the top of T20 conversation — he recently hit career milestones in T20 wickets for Asia. For South Africa, Aiden Markram and Marco Jansen are the form stories — Markram’s recent T20 campaigns (including IPL/SA20 seasons) have produced high strike rates and handy averages, while Jansen’s searing pace makes him a strike – bowling option in power play and death overs. These recent form notes are based on player reports and tournament stats leading into 2025 – 26.
Team News Form Lines and Schedules
Afghanistan’s coaching picture and squad moves have seen some turnover — coach Jonathan Trott has signalled changes after major tournaments, and Afghanistan have had positive ODI and T20 results through 2024 – 25 that boosted their confidence. South Africa’s selection chatter ahead of 2025 – 26 shows a largely settled T20 core with Markram back in leadership spots and rotation in pace options for workload management.
