Cricket sucks, will give Kagiso Rabada some space: Rickelton after Ahmedabad thriller

AFG vs SA: South Africa batter Ryan Rickelton joked that cricket sucks after the team's double super over thriller against Afghanistan. The batter said that the team will also put their hands around Kagiso Rabad, who had a tough day out in Ahmedabad.

South Africa survived a dramatic scare against Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on February 11 in their Group D clash of the T20 World Cup 2026. The Proteas nearly let the game slip from a winning position after Kagiso Rabada bowled two no-balls in the final over, forcing the contest into a Super Over — or rather, Super Overs.

A tie at the end of the regulation 20 overs was followed by a tied first Super Over, pushing the match into a second decider. That was when Tristan Stubbs and David Miller took control for South Africa, smashing 23 runs in the second Super Over to seemingly put the game beyond Afghanistan’s reach.

ICC T20 World Cup, AFG vs SA Highlights | Scorecard

Just when the result looked sealed, Afghanistan opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz launched a stunning counterattack, smashing Keshav Maharaj for three consecutive sixes to leave his side needing just five runs off the final ball. Maharaj, however, held his nerve under immense pressure and dismissed Gurbaz on the last delivery, sealing a thrilling win for South Africa in what turned out to be a classic in Ahmedabad.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, South Africa batter Ryan Rickelton reflected on the contest, admitting how draining such an outcome could be after both teams had given everything.

“Cricket sucks. That's the number one thought, I think. Yeah, I think, yes, it was a cracking game. I actually don't even have many words to describe it. Just really chuffed we got over the line in the end,” Rickelton said.