9/2/2026, 4:13:25 pm

South Africa vs Afghanistan Match Preview 2026: Playing XI, Pitch Report, Time, Venue & Prediction

South Africa vs Afghanistan T20 World Cup 2026 match preview including date, time, venue, probable playing XI, pitch report, weather forecast, key players, live telecast, streaming details, and match prediction.

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026

Match Details

Match: South Africa vs Afghanistan – Group D

Date: 11 February 2026

Day: Wednesday

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

Time: 11:00 AM (Local / IST)


Live Telecast & Streaming

Live Telecast: Star Sports Network

Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar / JioHotstar


Probable Playing XI

South Africa Probable XI:

Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi

Afghanistan Probable XI:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Gulbadin Naib, Mohammad Nabi , Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi


Pitch Report

The Narendra Modi Stadium surface generally provides good bounce and carry early, assisting fast bowlers in the powerplay. As the match progresses, the pitch becomes more batting-friendly, allowing stroke makers to score freely. Spinners can also come into play during the middle overs, especially if the surface slows slightly.


Weather Report

Weather conditions in Ahmedabad are expected to remain warm and clear with temperatures around 25–28°C, ensuring ideal conditions for a full uninterrupted match.


Match Prediction

South Africa enters the match with a powerful pace attack and a deep batting lineup, making them slight favorites. Afghanistan, however, possesses one of the strongest spin attacks in world cricket, which could prove decisive if the pitch offers grip. A balanced contest is expected, and early wickets could significantly influence the outcome.


South Africa – Key Players

Aiden Markram: Captain and dependable top-order batter.

Kagiso Rabada: Strike pacer capable of breaking partnerships early.

David Miller: Experienced finisher known for explosive hitting.


Afghanistan – Key Players

Rashid Khan: World-class leg spinner who can change the game in the middle overs.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz: Aggressive opener capable of fast starts.

Mohammad Nabi: Experienced all-rounder providing balance with bat and ball.