The cricket world is abuzz after Irfan Pathan, ex-Indian all-rounder, labeled the South Africa-Afghanistan World Cup battle as one for the ages. From the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this February 12 gem delivered two super overs of unrelenting suspense, landing it in Pathan’s top-five historical list.
Pathan’s JioHotstar commentary was electric: ‘Hands down, the best of this World Cup and top-tier in history. Drama galore – no-balls, free hits, run-outs, yorker mishaps – pure perfection.’
He broke down the pressure cooker bowling: failed yorkers led to runs, pace was smacked, slower ones sparked turnarounds. Maharaj’s final-ball mastery against Gurbaz – wide line, post-wide recovery, and dismissal – exemplified elite skill under fire.
Match highlights: Toss-losing South Africa scored 187 first. Afghanistan equaled in 19.4 overs. Super over one: 17 each after Stubbs’ six. South Africa’s 23 set a tough chase. Nabi out for zero; 24 off four loomed. Gurbaz’s three sixes off Maharaj ignited dreams, but a wide and his last-ball run-out (five required) doomed Afghanistan to a four-run defeat.
Pathan’s endorsement cements this as a World Cup icon, blending skill, fortune, and raw emotion into unforgettable theatre.