The Narendra Modi Stadium is buzzing with intensity like the 13th match T20 World Cup 2026 2024 in Ahmedabad brings the high-priced rematch of the semi-finalists. Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan Taking advantage of the early moisture on a red clay pitch, he won the toss and elected to bowl first in hopes of a rumble. South African top order. The Afghans desperately need a win to survive their defeat New Zealandand Proteas looking to maintain their dominant start, the world’s biggest cricket stadium is set for a tactical battle between pace and spin.
SA vs AFG: Why Corbin Bosch misses T20 World Cup 2026 match in Ahmedabad
We have made a single tactical change for today’s clash with South Africa vs Afghanistan George Linde returns to the XI instead Corbin Bosch. The decision to keep the young all-rounder in reserve is not due to injury but a strategic move by the Proteas management to adapt to Ahmedabad conditions.
captain Aiden Markram He confirmed that the team has opted for an extra spinner in Linde to take advantage of the grip offered by the red soil and counter Afghanistan’s spin-heavy middle order. Markram noted that Linde and the duo were confident there was a spin threat, although they initially favored the bowl due to ‘cautious’ damping concerns. Keshav Maharaj The slowing down of the pitch will allow them to ‘squeeze’ the Afghan batsmen during the second innings.
“We’d also bowl first, quite a bit of moisture, but batting is not bad. We can get a good score on the board and then press on and chase it down a little bit. We had a good game against Canada and got a nice tackle. One change for us – replacing Corbin Bosh. Markram said.
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T20 World Cup 2026, SA vs AFG: High-stakes encounter for previous edition semi-finalists
The journey to the T20 World Cup 2026 has been a contrast for these two sides so far. South Africa enter this match on a high after a 57-run all-out victory Canadawhere Markram’s half-century of experience and record tournament total of 213/4 signaled their intent to go one step further than their 2024 runners-up finish. The Proteas look poised and clinical with their battery of pace Kagiso Rabada and Good luck firing along the middle row anchored byDavid Miller-Tristan Stubbs‘ engine room.
This match is a virtual knockout for Afghanistan. After a heartbreaking five-wicket loss New Zealand Rashid’s men find themselves in must-win territory to keep their Super 8 dreams alive in their Group D opener. Historically, the Proteas have been Afghanistan’s Achilles heel, winning all three of their previous T20I encounters, including a 56-run demolition in the semi-finals of the last World Cup. With games against Canada and UAE The rest of the Afghans know that today’s confusion in Ahmedabad is essential to prevent an early exit. For the winner, the road to the next stage becomes a clear highway; for the loser, especially Afghanistan, the math for the specialty becomes almost impossible.
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