<p>South Africa's perfect 3-0 T20I record against Afghanistan includes a semi-final demolition that saw the Afghans bowled out for just 56, their lowest ever T20I total.</p> <p>Now, with Group D supremacy on the line at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Proteas carry genuine momentum after dismantling Canada by 57 runs in their tournament opener.</p> <ol> <li><strong>Competition: </strong>ICC T20 World Cup 2026, Group D</li> <li><strong>Venue:</strong> Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad</li> <li><strong>Date:</strong> Wednesday, February 11, 2026</li> <li><strong>Start Time: </strong>4:30 PM AEDT</li> <li><strong>Broadcast: </strong>Prime Video (Australia), Star Sports Network, JioHotstar (India)</li> </ol> <h2>South Africa vs Afghanistan Form and Head to Head</h2> <p>The head-to-head ledger makes grim reading for Afghanistan, with South Africa claiming all three previous T20I encounters. That 2024 World Cup semi-final collapse in Tarouba, where Afghanistan managed just 56 runs, remains fresh in the memory and highlighted the psychological edge the Proteas hold.</p> <p>South Africa opened their 2026 campaign with authority, posting 213/4 against Canada before restricting them to 156. Aiden Markram's 59 off 32 balls anchored the innings and signalled his intent for the tournament.</p> <p>Afghanistan's path has been bumpier, losing their opener to New Zealand by five wickets despite posting a competitive 182/6. Ibrahim Zadran continues to impress, but the bowling unit leaked runs at crucial moments.</p> <h2>Rabada Returns as Both Squads Settle</h2> <p>South Africa welcome Kagiso Rabada back after a two-month absence with a rib injury, adding genuine pace to an already potent attack. Ryan Rickelton and Tristan Stubbs provide middle-order depth, while David Miller's finishing prowess remains central to their plans.</p> <p>Afghanistan rely heavily on their spin contingent, with Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman tasked with containing South Africa's aggressive batters. Ibrahim Zadran's recent form gives the top order stability, though the team needs bigger contributions from the middle order to challenge quality opposition. The <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/indian-premier-league">IPL betting odds</a> often reflect individual player form, and several of these stars have been commanding attention in franchise cricket.</p> <h2>South Africa vs Afghanistan Betting Markets</h2> <p>The match winner market unsurprisingly favours South Africa given their tournament form and head-to-head dominance. For the latest South Africa vs Afghanistan odds and markets, check out our dedicated <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket">cricket betting odds</a> page here at Sportsbet.</p> <p>Player props offer intriguing angles, particularly around top performers from both sides. Markram's aggressive intent and Afghanistan's inconsistent bowling creates opportunities in the runs markets, while the batting-friendly Ahmedabad surface (averaging 180+ in T20s) suggests totals markets could provide value. For those who prefer to react as the action unfolds, <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/live-betting/cricket">live cricket betting</a> opens up additional opportunities once the match begins.</p> <h2>South Africa vs Afghanistan Prediction: Our Pick</h2> <p>South Africa should prove too strong for an Afghan side still searching for their first points, while Aiden Markram looks primed to continue his dominant form with the bat.</p> <p>The Proteas tick every box heading into this clash. Their +2.850 net run rate reflects genuine dominance rather than narrow victories, and Afghanistan's mental scars from that 56 all out remain relevant.</p> <p>Markram's 59 against Canada showcased exceptional timing and shot selection, and Afghanistan's bowlers conceded 182 to a less potent New Zealand lineup. With the <a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/cricket/icc-mens-cricket-world-cup">Cricket World Cup betting odds</a> reflecting South Africa's strong tournament credentials, the Proteas look well-positioned to maintain their unbeaten run.</p> <p>The one caveat is Afghanistan's desperation, with their tournament hopes already under pressure. Rashid Khan in a must-win scenario demands respect.</p> <p>However, South Africa's balance of power hitting and disciplined bowling, now enhanced by Rabada's return, should prove decisive. Back the Proteas on the match result and Markram to clear 40.5 runs as he anchors another commanding chase or sets an imposing target.</p> <h2>Keep Reading</h2> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/biggest-ipl-contracts">The eye-watering sums behind cricket's biggest IPL contracts</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/top-ten-richest-cricketers-in-the-world">From bat to bank: the ten wealthiest cricketers on the planet</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/huddle/cricket/news/cricket-dls-method-explained">The DLS method: cricket's most confusing rule finally makes sense</a></li> </ul>