There have been only a few Super Overs in T20 World Cup history but whenever there has been, it has been thrilling to watch. Take a look at the recent South Africa vs Afghanistan game in the 2026 T20 World Cup which saw the game go into a Double Super Over.
Before the Super Over was introduced, we had seen a Bowl Out between India and Pakistan in the 2007 T20 World Cup. The first-ever Super Over in the tournament was played in 2012. Let us revisit each one here. Let's go…
1. Sri Lanka vs New Zealand (2012 T20 World Cup)
The first time that a Super Over was played in the T20 World Cup was in 2012 in Pallekele. In the first Innings, New Zealand scored 174 which Sri Lanka managed to tie in the run chase. In the Super Over, the hosts scored 13 in their turn to bat. Lasith Malinga was chosen as the bowler to defend it and he did it as he gave just seven runs.
2. New Zealand vs West Indies (2012 T20 World Cup)
The same tournament saw New Zealand being involved in another Super Over, this time against the West Indies. The Caribbean Nation scored 139 in their first innings and in reply, New Zealand managed to finish on the same score. New Zealand batted first in the Super Over and they scored 17 but Chris Gayle and Marlon Samuels replied with brutality as they chased it down in 5 balls.
3. Namibia vs Oman (2024 T20 World Cup)
It took 12 years to see another Super Over in the T20 World Cup and it came between Namibia and Oman. It was a low-scoring affair as both teams managed only 109 in their 20 overs. Namibia smashed 21 in the Super Over and Oman managed just 10 in their reply.
4. USA vs Pakistan (2024 T20 World Cup)
Pakistan batted first and scored 159 in their 20 overs in Dallas. In reply, USA managed to tie the score after heroics from Nitish Kumar and Aaron Jones. In the Super Over, USA scored 18 and they defended it with aplomb as Netravalkar conceded just 13.
5. South Africa vs Afghanistan (2026 T20 World Cup)
One of the best games ever seen in T20 World Cup history, South Africa came out on top in a double Super Over in Ahmedabad. Batting first, South Africa scored 187 due to blistering fifties from Ryan Rickelton and Quinton de Kock. In reply, Rahmanullah Gurbaz scored 84 before Azmatullah Omarzai, Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad took them close. Kagiso Rabada had 12 runs to defend in the final over but bowled two No-balls to take the game to a Super Over. Afghanistan scored 17 in their Super Over. It looked like Afghanistan had sealed the game when SA needed 7 off one ball before Stubbs hit a six to take the game into another Super Over. South Africa scored 23 in the Second Super Over. In reply, Afghanistan lost Mohammad Nabi early but Gurbaz refused to give up. He hit three consecutive sixes and got the equation down to 5 off one ball. In the end, Maharaj kept his nerves and SA held on to a win.
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