Former India fast bowler Irfan Pathan described South Africa’s dramatic win over Afghanistan in Ahmedabad on Wednesday as “one of the best games in World Cup history” after the contest was decided by a second Super Over.
The match ended level at 187 in regulation and again in the first Super Over, forcing an unprecedented second eliminator. South Africa posted 23 in the decider and held their nerve to seal a four-run victory, despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz smashing three sixes in the final over.
“It was one of the best games of this World Cup, no doubt about it. In fact, one of the best games in World Cup history, easily among the top five,” Pathan told JioHotstar. “Two Super Overs and high drama throughout. There were no-balls, free hits, run-outs, missed yorkers — everything you could ask for.”
Pathan singled out Keshav Maharaj’s composure in the final moments. “His last ball in the second Super Over was exceptional. He stayed away from Gurbaz, bowled a wide line, and backed himself even after bowling a wide earlier. That showed his class and temperament,” he said.
In Mumbai, West Indies beat England by 30 runs at the Wankhede Stadium, with Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 76 guiding them to 196-6. England were restricted to 166 in reply despite Sam Curran’s 43, as the Caribbean side registered their second successive Group C victory.
Pathan credited West Indies’ spin attack for setting up the win.
“Spin it to win it — that mantra really worked for West Indies. Three spinners came into the game straight away, and that made the difference,” he said, praising Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie for key breakthroughs.
Former India leg-spinner Piyush Chawla also lauded Rutherford’s innings, saying the batter added “15–20 extra runs” under pressure by pacing his knock smartly and batting through the innings.
With back-to-back wins and their spin unit in form, West Indies appear to have gathered momentum as the tournament progresses.
(IANS)
