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‘Devastating’: Afghanistan coach reacts after loss to South Africa in double super over thriller | Cricket News

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'Devastating': Afghanistan coach reacts after loss to South Africa in double super over thriller
Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad and Rashid Khan (AP)

Afghanistan head coach Jonathan Trott described his side’s defeat to South Africa as “devastating”, admitting the narrow loss in a dramatic T20 World Cup contest would linger with his players. The Proteas edged Afghanistan after a gripping encounter that required two Super Overs, leaving South Africa relieved and Afghanistan heartbroken in one of the most remarkable matches since the tournament began in 2007. Addressing the media after the game on Wednesday, Trott reflected on the emotional toll of back-to-back defeats in a demanding group.

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“Just shows what we have as a side. So we’ve got some amazing players and it’s just really devastating for the guys after a tough loss a few days ago against New Zealand and now against South Africa in a tough group as well,” Trott said. The South African-born former England Test batter acknowledged that such losses can hurt deeply. “These guys are never shy of rising up against the challenges that they face throughout their lives on and off the field. “So today they should be very proud and obviously these types of losses sometimes they can hurt and sting for a while but I think it’s important we look at those areas that we did really well in, but also areas that we could improve and things we could have done better. “I think South Africa fielded pretty well actually as well. The run out, a few catches on the boundary, on the ring, those sorts of things. I think they fielded really well. Maybe that was the difference today a little bit,” the Afghanistan head coach said. Under Trott’s guidance, Afghanistan have made significant strides, reaching the semifinals in the previous edition of the T20 World Cup and the quarterfinals of the 2023 ODI World Cup. Though he is set to step down after this tournament, Trott declined to reflect on his tenure, insisting his focus remains on the remaining fixtures. Trott also reserved special praise for Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who smashed 84 off 42 balls in the chase of 187 and followed it with a blistering 18 off 4 balls in the second Super Over. “Those innings as we saw today, I think he should play more often if I’m honest, with the amount of talent that he has and the physique and the sporting ability and natural hand-eye coordination. “He wears his heart on his sleeve and he’s quite an animated character. I think the years that I’ve been with him now, I’m just trying to get him to be a little bit more consistent in everything that he does.”

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Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds, and betting tips

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11 February 2026

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Match Details

Fixture: (1) Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka

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Date: February 12, 2026

Tournament: Rotterdam Open

Round: Second Round (Round of 16)

Venue: Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands

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Category: ATP 500

Surface: Hard (Indoor)

Prize Money: $2,931,612

Live Telecast: USA – Tennis Channel | UK – Sky Sports | Canada – TSN

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Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka preview

De Minaur ABN AMRO Open - Day Two - Source: GettyDe Minaur ABN AMRO Open - Day Two - Source: Getty
De Minaur ABN AMRO Open – Day Two – Source: Getty

Alex De Minaur will take on Stan Wawrinka in the second round of the Rotterdam Open.

De Minaur has made a good start to the season. After a quarterfinal exit in the United Cup, he reached the last eight of the Australian Open in Melbourne. The 26-year-old defeated Frances Tiafoe and Alexander Bublik in the initial few rounds, but lost to Carlos Alcaraz, 7-5, 6-2, 6-1.

The Australian started his campaign in Rotterdam by cruising past Arthur Fils in the first round. He defeated the Frenchman in straight sets, 7-6(3), 6-2. De Minaur is the top seed this year and will be expected to make a deep run.

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Wawrinka at the ABN AMRO Open - Day Three - Source: GettyWawrinka at the ABN AMRO Open - Day Three - Source: Getty
Wawrinka at the ABN AMRO Open – Day Three – Source: Getty

Meanwhile, Stan Wawrinka has made an amazing start to the new calendar year. Apart from a runner-up finish in the United Cup, he also reached the third round in Melbourne. The Swiss star defeated Laslo Djere and Arthur Gea, but lost to Taylor Fritz in four sets.

Wawrinka entered Rotterdam after a second-round exit in Montpellier. He started his campaign with a confident win against Thijs Boogaard, 6-3, 6-4. The 40-year-old won 90% of his first serve points and saved three break points in the previous encounter.

Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka head-to-head

De Minaur leads the head-to-head against Wawrinka 1-0. He defeated the Swiss veteran at the 2024 Monte-Carlo Masters.

Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka odds

Player Name Moneyline Handicap Bets Total Games
Alex De Minaur
Stan Wawrinka

BetMGM sources all the odds. (To be updated)

Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka prediction

De Minaur has secured runner-up finishes in Rotterdam consecutively for the last two years. He lost to Jannik Sinner in 2024 and Carlos Alcaraz in 2025. The Australian will be eager to achieve success this time around.

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Meanwhile, Wawrinka is competing in Rotterdam for the last time in his career. He won the event in 2015 and also secured a runner-up finish in 2019. The Swiss star will be determined to go out on a high.

De Minaur will bring his exceptional court coverage and shot-making ability to the fore. Meanwhile, Wawrinka will rely on his serve, tactical acumen, and fighting spirit on the court.

Considering their recent results and match intensity in the last few months, De Minaur should be able to solve this round. He’ll be up against one of the best timers of the tennis ball, but should be able to stamp his authority and come out on top.

Pick: De Minaur to win in straight sets.

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Alex De Minaur vs Stan Wawrinka betting tips

Tip 1: Match to have fewer than 20 games.

Tip 2: Wawrinka to save more than five break points.