A few moments in cricket create as much tension as tied matches. Over the years, super overs in T20 World Cup have delivered some of the most unforgettable finishes. From historic firsts to surprising upsets and a rare double Super Over, these matches have consistently pushed players and fans to the edge. The latest drama played out during the SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026 edition, adding another classic to the list.
The most dramatic super over in T20 World Cup history took place in Ahmedabad during the SA vs AFG T20 World Cup 2026. South Africa scored 187/6 after Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock led the innings with individual fifties. Riding on Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s stupendous 84, Afghanistan levelled the score, forcing a Super Over after Noor Ahmed scored 12 runs in the final over bowled by Kagiso Rabada.
Both teams scored 17 in the first Super Over, sending the contest into a first-ever second Super Over in the tournament’s history. David Miller and Tristan Stubbs hit 23 runs for South Africa, and Afghanistan threatened another twist as Gurbaz hit three consecutive sixes, needing 24 runs off the final four deliveries, but Keshav Maharaj dismissed him on the last ball, sealing a four-run win.
One of the biggest upsets in the T20 World Cup super overs came in 2024 when the tournament debutants USA surprised one-time champions Pakistan in Dallas. After both teams finished tied at 159, the USA scored 18 in the Super Over. Pacer Saurabh Netravalkar then bowled a fantastic spell, limiting Pakistan to 13 and securing a historic win. Eventually, the USA advanced to super 8 stage, eliminating Pakistan from the group stage.
In another clash of the T20 World Cup 2024, Namibia and Oman faced a challenging surface, watching each other manage out on 109. Namibia raced to 21/0 in the Super Over, led by David Wiese, who later bowled a crucial over to seal the deal.
During the T20 World Cup 2012, New Zealand was part of another memorable super overs in T20 World Cup. New Zealand posted 17 in the Super Over, but legendary West Indies batters Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels chased down the target in just five balls.
The first-ever Super Over in the T20 World Cups took place in 2012 when Sri Lanka and New Zealand ended up tied at 174. Sri Lanka scored 13 in the Super Over, while Lasith Malinga kept New Zealand to seven super overs in T20 World Cup.
Before the super overs were introduced, the famous T20 World Cup 2007 tie between India and Pakistan was decided by a bowl-out, which remains the only instance this tie-breaker has been used. India won 3-0, a finish that ultimately led to the adoption of the Super Over rule in future tournaments.
| All Super Overs in T20 World Cups | ||||
| Team | Opposition | Score (Main Match) | Super Over | Edition |
| South Africa | Afghanistan | 187–187 | South Africa Double Super Over (17–17, 23–19) | T20 World Cup 2026 |
| USA | Pakistan | 159–159 | USA won (18–13) | T20 World Cup 2024 |
| Namibia | Oman | 109–109 | Namibia won (21–10) | T20 World Cup 2024 |
| New Zealand | West Indies | Tied | West Indies won | T20 World Cup 2012 |
| New Zealand | Sri Lanka | 174–174 | Sri Lanka won (13–7) | T20 World Cup 2012 |
| India | Pakistan | 141–141 | Bowl-Out (pre Super Over) | T20 World Cup 2007 |
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