The Narendra Modi Stadium is alive with excitement as Match 13 of the T20 World Cup 2026 features a crucial rematch of the 2024 semi-finalists in Ahmedabad. Afghanistan’s captain, Rashid Khan, has won the toss and chosen to bowl first, aiming to take advantage of the early moisture on the red-soil pitch to unsettle the South African top order. With Afghanistan needing a win after their defeat to New Zealand, and the Proteas looking to continue their strong start, the stage is set for a tactical battle between pace and spin.
SA vs AFG: Corbin Bosch missing from T20 World Cup 2026 match in Ahmedabad
South Africa has made one tactical change for today’s match against Afghanistan, with George Linde coming back into the lineup in place of Corbin Bosch. This decision is strategic, not due to injury, as the Proteas aim to adapt to the Ahmedabad conditions.
Captain Aiden Markram confirmed at the toss that the team opted for an extra spinner in Linde to take advantage of the pitch’s grip and to counter Afghanistan’s spin-heavy batting order. Markram mentioned that they would have preferred to bowl first because of moisture concerns, but they are confident that the combination of Linde and Keshav Maharaj will allow them to challenge the Afghan batters effectively in the second innings as the pitch slows down.
“We would have bowled first as well, quite a bit of moisture, but bat first isn’t bad. We can set a strong score and then tighten the chase. We performed well against Canada and made one change – George Linde replaces Corbin Bosch,” Markram explained.
T20 World Cup 2026, SA vs AFG: A key clash for the former semi-finalists
The T20 World Cup 2026 journey has been quite different for these teams up to this point. South Africa enters this match with confidence after a solid 57-run victory over Canada, highlighted by Markram’s half-century and a record tournament score of 213/4, indicating their ambition to go further than their 2024 runner-up finish. The Proteas seem well-rounded and in form, with their pace attack featuring Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, alongside a middle order led by the ‘David Miller-Tristan Stubbs’ duo.
For Afghanistan, this match is crucial. After a tough five-wicket loss to New Zealand in their Group D opener, Rashid’s team must win to keep their Super 8 hopes alive. Historically, the Proteas have dominated against Afghanistan, winning all three of their prior T20I meetings, including a notable 56-run defeat in the last World Cup semi-final. With remaining matches against Canada and UAE, Afghanistan realizes that a win today in Ahmedabad is vital to avoid an early exit from the tournament. For the victor, the path to the next round will be clear; for the loser, particularly Afghanistan, qualifying will become nearly impossible.
