New Delhi, Feb 12 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan offered his insights on the thrilling match between South Africa and Afghanistan held in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, labeling it as "one of the greatest games in World Cup history."

The match was a nail-biter, concluding with both teams tied at 187 during regulation time and again in the first Super Over, which necessitated an unprecedented second Super Over. Ultimately, the Proteas clinched victory by four runs after scoring 23, while Afghanistan fell short despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz's impressive performance, hitting three sixes in the final super over.

“This was undoubtedly one of the finest matches of this World Cup and easily ranks among the top five in World Cup history. The drama was palpable, with two super overs and various exciting moments including no-balls, free hits, run-outs, and missed yorkers. Bowlers faced immense pressure, and while some attempted yorkers, they occasionally faltered. Keshav Maharaj's final ball in the second super over was remarkable; he bowled a wide line and displayed his class and composure even after delivering a wide earlier. It was a truly exhilarating encounter,” Pathan stated during an interview with JioHotstar.

In the evening match, West Indies secured a 30-run victory over England at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Sherfane Rutherford played a pivotal role, scoring an unbeaten 76 and guiding the team to a total of 196/6. Meanwhile, a formidable spin attack led by Gudakesh Motie restricted England to 166 runs in their chase. Despite Sam Curran contributing 43 runs, the Windies achieved their second consecutive win in Group C.

Pathan lauded the West Indies' spin trio for setting the stage for their victory.

"The mantra of 'spin it to win it' truly benefited the West Indies. The inclusion of three spinners made a significant difference. I was particularly impressed with Roston Chase's performance; getting Jos Buttler out was a crucial moment. Gudakesh Motie showcased his skills effectively, especially against right-handed batsmen. The catching was superb, with Rovman Powell making an exceptional catch. Although West Indies have struggled in the field at times, this match showcased their improved fielding," he remarked.

Pathan also highlighted the all-round contributions of Roston Chase, particularly at a critical moment in the match.

“Chase's batting was vital, especially when he stepped in at number four after two early wickets fell. His stability and over 30 runs were crucial. Dismissing Jos Buttler is no small feat; after Buttler hit a boundary, Chase cleverly changed his length and bowled him out. His strategic planning against right-handed batsmen was impressive, alternating his line effectively,” he added.

Piyush Chawla commended Sherfane Rutherford's ability to stay calm under pressure during the match against England, pointing out that his innings were vital for the team's total.

“He came in at a challenging time but focused on managing the scoreboard and preserving wickets. His innings wasn’t merely about power-hitting; he displayed a range of techniques, including late cuts and targeted pulls. The best part was that he batted until the end, which is always crucial. Although they ended up about 10 runs short, given the circumstances, I believe Rutherford added 15–20 extra runs for his side,” he explained.

With two solid wins in a row and a functioning spin unit, the West Indies seem to have discovered a winning strategy as the tournament progresses.