In the 13th Group D match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, played on February 11 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan won the toss and opted to have his team bowl first against South Africa. Afghanistan seeks to bounce back after a loss to New Zealand, while South Africa enters the game following a strong 57-run victory over Canada earlier in the tournament. The decision by Rashid Khan highlights Afghanistan’s intent to chase, anticipating improved batting conditions as the match progresses.
Team Changes and Tactical Decisions Ahead of the Match
Both teams made a single change to their playing elevens before the match. Afghanistan brought Noor Ahmed into the side, replacing Zia Ur Rahman, while South Africa introduced George Linde in place of Corbin Bosch. These adjustments reflect the teams’ tactical considerations as they prepare to face each other in a fixture that echoes their previous semi-final clash in the last World Cup. With both teams being among the stronger contenders, this game carries significant weight for progressing further in the tournament.
Rashid Khan’s Perspective on the Toss and Match Strategy
Rashid Khan explained that the decision to bowl first was based on conditions he expects to be more favorable to batting later in the game. He described the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium as likely to improve as play continues, a factor that influenced his choice to chase. Khan emphasized the importance of energy and effort on the field, especially in a must-win situation against a competitive side like South Africa.
We will bowl first. Fresh wicket and we’re looking forward to chase. Against the big teams in the WC, it’s a must-win game for us, we have to come and try to give the effort in the ground., don’t worry about the result, but more importantly, the energy with which we play the game and I feel like that’s what is more important. It’s a home ground, I have played a lot for GT over the years in the IPL. I think this pitch will get better as the game goes on, that’s the reason we’re chasing. A couple of things we need to improve, like, you know, especially with the batting, we need to start with the powerplay. I feel like that’s the area we need to improve. And with the bowling, I feel like in the middle overs, really, we need to bowl as tight as possible and as quick as possible. And I feel like in the last game, we just missed on line and length,
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan Captain
South Africa’s Outlook on Toss and Pitch Conditions
South Africa captain Aiden Markram acknowledged the presence of moisture on the pitch but did not consider batting first a disadvantage. He indicated that his team is confident about putting up a strong total to challenge Afghanistan. Markram also reflected on South Africa’s previous performance against Canada, describing it as a well-executed game and a platform to build on for the current clash.
We would have bowled first as well, quite a bit of moisture, but not a bad thing to bat. We can get a good score on the board and squeeze a bit later and chase it as well. We had a good game against Canada and had a nice workaround,
Aiden Markram, South Africa Captain
Detailed Playing XIs for Both Sides
The lineups for both Afghanistan and South Africa were locked in ahead of the match, showcasing strong options from each side.
South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram (c), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Ryan Rickelton, Dewald Brevis, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi.
Afghanistan Playing XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wicketkeeper), Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Sediqullah Atal, Darwish Rasooli, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi.
Team sheets are out! 👌🏻Both South Africa & Afghanistan lock in strong Playing XIs for this crucial fixture! 🇿🇦🇦🇫ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #SAvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/hgh4SaHBjkpic.twitter.com/RolcNv9vn2
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia)
Implications of the Toss Decision and Match Outlook
Rashid Khan’s choice to bowl first places emphasis on Afghanistan’s strategy to chase a target on a pitch they expect to become easier with time. This approach is high-stakes given the must-win nature of the game for Afghanistan to stay competitive in the tournament. South Africa, with their confident batting lineup led by players like Quinton de Kock and David Miller, will look to leverage the early conditions and set a substantial total.
Both teams face considerable pressure as former semi-finalists in the previous World Cup, making this encounter pivotal in deciding who advances. The strategic decisions and adjustments to team compositions underscore the intensity and uncertainty surrounding the match. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how pitch conditions evolve and how each side executes under the weight of expectation at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Rashid Khan has won the Toss & Afghanistan will bowl first! 🇿🇦🇦🇫
In a repeat of the previous edition’s semi-finalists, who will grab the all-important ‘W’? 🤔👀
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #SAvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/hgh4SaHBjk pic.twitter.com/yczfJgLCgz
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026
Team sheets are out! 👌🏻
Both South Africa & Afghanistan lock in strong Playing XIs for this crucial fixture! 🇿🇦🇦🇫
ICC Men’s #T20WorldCup | #SAvAFG | LIVE NOW 👉 https://t.co/hgh4SaHBjk pic.twitter.com/RolcNv9vn2
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 11, 2026
