South Africa vs Afghanistan Prediction: Who Will Win SA vs AFG 13th T20 Match on 11th February 2026?
The South Africa vs Afghanistan prediction for the 13th T20 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 leans in favour of the Proteas, but not without resistance from a dangerous Afghan side. This match will be played on Wednesday, 11th February 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. South Africa have begun the tournament in dominant fashion, sitting at the top of Group D with a massive net run rate after a comprehensive win over Canada. Afghanistan, meanwhile, are already under pressure after losing to New Zealand, making this a virtual must-win clash for them.
South Africa arrive with momentum, confidence, and one of the most intimidating pace attacks in world cricket. Their top order looks settled and explosive, with Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram striking the ball cleanly from ball one. Afghanistan, however, will be desperate to avenge their semi-final loss from the previous World Cup and keep their campaign alive. They possess world-class spinners in Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, who can change games quickly, especially in the powerplay and middle overs.
The Narendra Modi Stadium has historically favoured teams batting first in T20Is, with six of the last nine matches won by the side setting a target. That factor makes the toss and first-innings batting crucial. While Afghanistan have the firepower to score competitively, their death bowling has been a recurring weakness. South Africa’s depth, experience, and ability to dominate key phases of the game give them a clear edge going into this encounter.
- Match Context & Stakes: South Africa are flying high after a dominant opening win and a victory here would almost seal Super 8 qualification. Afghanistan, on the other hand, are in a must-win situation after their loss to New Zealand.
- Key Strengths: South Africa boast a fearsome pace trio and a deep batting lineup, while Afghanistan rely heavily on their elite spin attack led by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman.
- Venue Factor: Narendra Modi Stadium strongly favours teams batting first. Scores above 170 often prove decisive, making powerplay batting and death bowling crucial.
- Prediction: South Africa hold the advantage due to form, balance, and depth, but Afghanistan can challenge if their spinners dominate early.
Match Details
| Match | SA vs AFG, 13th T20 |
|---|---|
| Date | Wednesday, 11 February 2026 |
| Time | 2:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad |
| Tournament | ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
Team Previews
South Africa Team Preview
South Africa could not have asked for a better start to their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign. Their emphatic 57-run win over Canada not only gave them two points but also boosted their net run rate significantly, placing them firmly at the top of Group D. The Proteas look well-balanced, confident, and ruthless.
At the top of the order, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram form one of the most explosive opening partnerships in the tournament. De Kock has been in sublime form, averaging 56 in his last three innings at a strike rate close to 200. Markram, meanwhile, provides stability and leadership, striking at over 170 this year. Their ability to dominate the powerplay sets the tone for South Africa’s innings.
The middle order adds further firepower. Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis bring youthful aggression, while the experienced David Miller remains one of the best finishers in world cricket. Tristan Stubbs offers versatility and brute strength, making South Africa dangerous right through to the final overs.
All-round depth is another major plus. Marco Jansen provides bounce and left-arm variation, while Corbin Bosch adds control. With the ball, South Africa possess a dream pace attack. Kagiso Rabada, despite being slightly expensive recently, is a proven big-match bowler. Lungi Ngidi’s discipline and Keshav Maharaj’s control in the middle overs complete a formidable unit.
South Africa’s familiarity with this venue is another advantage—they have crossed 200 here twice in T20Is. If they bat first again, they will look to post a daunting total.
Afghanistan Team Preview
Afghanistan find themselves under immediate pressure after losing their opening match to New Zealand. Despite flashes of brilliance, Afghanistan’s inconsistency—especially with the ball at the death—continues to haunt them. This match against South Africa is critical for keeping their World Cup hopes alive.
Afghanistan’s batting revolves around Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who needs to rediscover his rhythm. Ibrahim Zadran and Sediqullah Atal offer stability, while Darwish Rasooli and Azmatullah Omarzai bring aggression and adaptability. The standout performer in the last game was Gulbadin Naib, whose 63 off 35 balls showcased his ability to rescue innings under pressure.
The lower middle order, featuring Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan, provides experience and late-order hitting. On a good batting surface like Ahmedabad, Afghanistan are capable of scoring 160+ if they bat smartly.
Bowling, however, remains their biggest concern. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman are world-class and will be central to Afghanistan’s plans. Mujeeb, in particular, has taken eight wickets in his last four outings at a strike rate of 12. The pace attack, led by Fazalhaq Farooqi, has lacked consistency, especially in the final overs.
If Afghanistan are to challenge South Africa, they must strike early with spin and avoid leaking runs at the death.
Team Squads
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock, Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, George Linde, Jason Smith, Kwena Maphaka
Afghanistan Squad: Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Ishaq, Abdullah Ahmadzai, Shahidullah Kamal
Probable Playing XI
| South Africa | Afghanistan |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk) |
| Quinton de Kock (wk) | Ibrahim Zadran |
| Ryan Rickelton | Sediqullah Atal |
| Dewald Brevis | Darwish Rasooli |
| David Miller | Azmatullah Omarzai |
| Tristan Stubbs | Gulbadin Naib |
| Marco Jansen | Mohammad Nabi |
| Corbin Bosch | Rashid Khan (c) |
| Kagiso Rabada | Mujeeb ur Rahman |
| Keshav Maharaj | Ziaur Rahman Sharifi |
| Lungi Ngidi | Fazalhaq Farooqi |
South Africa vs Afghanistan Today’s Dream11/Fantasy Prediction
| Role | Players |
|---|---|
| Wicketkeeper | Quinton de Kock |
| Batters | Aiden Markram, David Miller, Ibrahim Zadran |
| All-rounders | Marco Jansen, Gulbadin Naib |
| Bowlers | Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Rashid Khan, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Lungi Ngidi |
This fantasy XI focuses on players who impact multiple phases. Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram are premium batting picks. Marco Jansen offers both wickets and late-order runs. Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman are must-haves due to their wicket-taking ability.
Captain Options: Quinton de Kock, Rashid Khan
Vice-Captain Options: Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen
Players to Avoid: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Corbin Bosch (limited fantasy impact)
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match – South Africa (Why)
South Africa are favourites in this high-stakes clash against Afghanistan due to their superior balance, firepower, and recent performance indicators. The Proteas have a deeper batting lineup with multiple match-winners, including Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram, both capable of dominating powerplays and setting imposing totals.
Their bowling attack has a potent mix of pace and spin that thrives in Ahmedabad conditions, making them well-suited to control key phases of the game. Afghanistan have world-class spinners like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman, but their pace attack and depth beyond top stars remain inconsistent in pressure situations.
South Africa’s confidence from a comprehensive win in their first match, combined with a historically strong record at this venue, gives them the psychological edge. While Afghanistan can be competitive, especially in spin-friendly matchups, South Africa’s greater depth and execution across departments make them the more likely winners in this World Cup clash.
South Africa T20 History
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 218 | 118 | 97 | 3 | 0 |
South Africa have been a strong T20 side, combining powerful batting with quality bowlers.
Afghanistan T20 History
| Matches | Wins | Losses | No Result | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 96 | 63 | 1 | 0 |
Afghanistan have risen rapidly in T20s, becoming a competitive and feared spin-oriented team.
Head-to-Head Stats
| Matches | SA Wins | AFG Wins | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
South Africa have dominated Afghanistan in all previous T20 meetings, winning all three encounters.
Also Check: Afghanistan vs South Africa Head to Head in T20 – Records, Team & Players Stats
Pitch Report
The pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium typically offers good bounce and carry for batters early, making stroke play easier in the initial overs. As the match progresses, the surface slows slightly, aiding spin and variations. Teams that set totals around 170–190 tend to be competitive. Pace bowlers can benefit from the extra bounce, but spinners often become influential in the middle overs, controlling run flow and inducing mistakes. Captains winning the toss may choose to bat first to take advantage of early batting conditions and put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | ~30–33°C |
| Sky | Sunny / Clear |
| Rain Chance | 0% |
| Humidity | Low to Moderate |
Warm and dry weather is expected in Ahmedabad on match day, with clear skies and virtually no chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play.
Broadcast Details
The South Africa vs Afghanistan 13th T20 match will be broadcast live on Star Sports Network and streamed online via JioHotstar. Fans can catch full live coverage on television and digital platforms with expert commentary and match analysis.
Toss Prediction
The toss winner is likely to bat first, capitalising on early pitch conditions and Ahmedabad’s tendency to favour first innings totals. Teams batting first at this venue have traditionally had a strong record, making setting a target a sensible choice. Afghanistan are slightly tipped to win the toss but may still choose to bat if they prefer pressure on the Proteas.
Probable Top Batsman & Bowler
Quinton de Kock is the most likely top batsman today given his recent form and ability to dominate powerplays, especially at this venue where he has previously scored big. Aiden Markram also has the technique and temperament to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed. For Afghanistan, Rahmanullah Gurbaz could provide a quick start, while Gulbadin Naib has shown capability in pressure situations. On the bowling front, Mujeeb ur Rahman remains a potent wicket-taker for Afghanistan, especially in middle overs, disrupting partnerships. Rashid Khan adds further wicket threat with his variations, especially when the ball turns. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen are expected to pose challenges with bounce and pace, making them likely key bowlers in this encounter.
Match Prediction
Considering current form, squad depth, and conditions, South Africa are predicted to win this match. Their powerful batting lineup and balanced bowling attack give them the edge. Afghanistan can be competitive, but South Africa’s greater depth and experience in pressure games should help them secure victory.
Winner: South Africa Will Win
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – SA vs AFG 13th T20
Q1. When and where is the South Africa vs Afghanistan 13th T20 match being played?
The match will be played on Wednesday, 11th February 2026 at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The scheduled start time is 2:30 PM IST.
Q2. Which tournament does this match belong to?
This fixture is part of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group-stage matches. It is the 13th match of the tournament and a crucial game for both teams in terms of qualification.
Q3. Why is this match important for Afghanistan?
For Afghanistan, this is a must-win match. After losing their opening game, another defeat would significantly reduce their chances of reaching the Super 8 stage.
Q4. What makes South Africa favourites in this match?
South Africa have superior squad depth, stronger pace bowling, and a dominant head-to-head record against Afghanistan. Their explosive top order and balanced bowling attack suit the Ahmedabad conditions well.
Q5. How does the pitch at Narendra Modi Stadium usually behave in T20 matches?
The pitch generally offers good bounce and carry early, helping batters score freely in the powerplay. As the match progresses, spinners come into play, making run-scoring harder in the middle overs.
Q6. Who are the key players to watch in this match?
For South Africa, Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram are key batters, while Kagiso Rabada is crucial with the ball. For Afghanistan, Rashid Khan and Mujeeb ur Rahman are the primary wicket-taking threats.
Q7. What is a competitive first-innings score at this venue?
At Ahmedabad, a first-innings score between 170 and 190 is considered competitive in T20 matches, especially when batting first.
Q8. Does batting or bowling first give an advantage here?
Historically, teams batting first have enjoyed more success at this venue, as setting a total puts pressure on the chasing side on a surface that slows down later.
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