T20 World Cup 2026: ‘Cricket sucks, will give Kagiso Rabada some space’ – Ryan Rickelton after Ahmedabad thriller vs Afghanistan

Ryan Rickelton empathised with Kagiso Rabada after the veteran seamer had a tough outing in South Africa’s T20 World Cup clash against Afghanistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Wednesday, February 11.

Rabada had 13 runs to defend in the last over, with Afghanistan being left with only one wicket. The right-arm pacer dismissed Noor Ahmad off the first ball but his joy would be short-lived. It turned out to be a no-ball, giving the Afghanistan spinner a reprieve. Later in the over, Rabada bowled another no-ball and conceded a six as well. The game went into a Super Over. However, the first Super Over also ended in a tie and needed another one to yield a result.

The Proteas eventually won the match to continue their winning streak in the tournament. However, Rabada had a forgettable outing, finishing with figures of 1/38 in 3.4 overs. He also dropped a difficult chance in the first Super Over.

During the post-match press conference, Ryan Rickelton, who scored a crucial 61 off 28 balls in the first innings, expressed his relief after ending up on the winning side of a thrilling clash.

“Cricket sucks. That’s the number one thought, I think. Yeah, I think, yes, it was a cracking game. I actually don’t even have many words to describe it. Just really chuffed we got over the line in the end,” Rickelton said.

Rickelton also asserted that the South African players and support staff will work in tandem to lift Rabada’s spirit after his difficult outing.

“No, KG, we’ll give him a bit of time, but we’ll get our arms around him. We’ll probably get a couple of drinks down him later. And yeah, he’s one of us through thick and thin, so he’s always going to be there,” Rickelton said.

While South Africa are looking set for qualification to the Super 8 stage, the Afghans are in a spot of bother with two defeats from as many games.