Afghanistan Faces South Africa in Crucial T20 World Cup Group Match in Ahmedabad
The Afghanistan national cricket team faces South Africa in a key group stage match of the 10th T20 World Cup on Thursday, 22 Dalu 1404 (February 11, 2026), at 10:00 a.m. at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India. Afghanistan, known as the Blue Tigers, must win to keep their hopes alive for advancing from Group 4, where they are grouped with New Zealand, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and Canada. A loss could lead to an early exit from the tournament, hosted by India and Sri Lanka from 18 Dalu to 17 Hut 1404 (February 7 to March 7, 2026).
South Africa, the runner-up in the previous 2024 T20 World Cup, ranks fifth in the T20I world standings, while Afghanistan is 10th. South Africa has played 217 T20I matches, winning 116 and losing 97, with two wins and one loss in 2026 so far. The team, founded in 1889 and a full ICC member since 1909, has participated in nine T20 World Cups.
Afghanistan joined the ICC as a full member in 2017 and has played 159 T20I matches, securing 96 wins and 60 losses. Their best T20 World Cup result was reaching the semifinals in 2024. They have competed in seven editions of the tournament.
Afghanistan's remaining group stage schedule includes:
- vs. United Arab Emirates on Monday, 27 Dalu 1404 (February 16, 2026), at 10:00 a.m. at Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi, India.
- vs. Canada on Thursday, 30 Dalu 1404 (February 19, 2026), at 6:00 p.m. at Chepauk Stadium in Chennai, India.
The 20-team tournament features four groups of five teams each, with Afghanistan playing four group matches.
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