Afghanistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 campaign is turning into a nightmare. The same team that proudly reached the semi-finals in the 2024 edition is now surprisingly on the brink of a group-stage exit. Things are not going as per the current T20 World Cup 2026 under the captaincy of Rashid Khan.
Double Super Over tragedy for Afghanistan in Ahmedabad
His latest misfortune came on 11 February in a Group D match against South Africa in Ahmedabad. Afghanistan were chasing 24 runs in the second super over, but failed to reach the line. It was a crushing defeat, especially after such a fierce fight shown by the Afghan stars.
Before this heartbreak, Rashid Khan’s team had lost their first Group D game against New Zealand by five wickets on February 8 in Chennai. Two matches, two defeats and now they are under immense pressure and their Super 8 hopes are almost gone.
Also read: Despite his bravery, Rahmanullah Gurbaz broke down completely when Afghanistan lost to South Africa, started crying like a child.
Super 8 qualification hopes hanging by a thin thread
Even though Afghanistan are currently placed third on the Group D points table, their qualification hopes hang very low. Their path to reach the Super 8 of the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 is still open, but it is full of conditions and calculations.
In the first scenario, Afghanistan will have to win both their remaining group matches against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on February 16 and Canada on February 19. Just winning may not be enough. They need to win by a big margin so that there is a big jump in their net run rate.
Net run rate can become the deciding factor later. Afghanistan needs help from other teams also. Either New Zealand or South Africa will have to lose both their remaining matches in Group D. If that happens, Afghanistan could finish with four points from four matches.
In that case, one of those top teams must also finish with four points. Then the second place in Super 8 will be decided by net run rate. This is the only realistic window left for Afghanistan.
T20 World Cup 2026 campaign may end early due to rain
There is also a big danger that their campaign may end even before their last two matches. New Zealand and South Africa are to face each other in Ahmedabad on 14 February.
Also read: “We tried our best” – Rashid Khan breaks silence after heartbreak in Double Super Over
If the Group D match is washed out due to rain, both the teams will get one point each. This will give them five points each. In that case, Afghanistan will be officially out of the tournament.
Rashid Khan supported Afghanistan to make a strong comeback
Meanwhile, Rashid Khan said that it is very difficult to handle the team after such a painful defeat. But the captain said that Afghanistan will come back stronger with a clear and smart mindset.
“It is quite tough. You have worked really hard for the last one and a half years to win this game and go to the next round. It is quite disappointing. It is quite tough to maintain them. But still, you have to come through. It is a big proud moment whenever you are representing your country,” Rashid said in the post-match presentation.
And you have to play for your pride. People back home are expecting us to win a lot of games. We didn’t get the ideal start we wanted in the World Cup. This is quite disappointing. But I will try my best to keep them as high as possible. “We will come into the next game with a stronger mind and a smarter mind.”
