BENGALURU, Jan 17, 2024: The Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed a spectacle for the ages as India edged past Afghanistan in a nail-biting finish to the 3rd T20I. Chasing a mammoth 213 set by India, Afghanistan looked primed for an upset, reaching the same score thanks to Gulbadin Naib’s blistering 23-ball 55. But with nerves tingling, the match went into a Super Over, then another, keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper, was the undisputed hero of the night. His masterful 69-ball 121 rescued India from an early stumble, laying the foundation for the massive total. He then stepped up in both Super Overs, first smashing a six and a four to help India tie Afghanistan’s 16 runs.
India batted first in the second Super Over, scoring 11 runs for the loss of two wickets. Ravi Bishnoi was entrusted with bowling for India.
Afghanistan’s target in the second Super Over was 12 runs to win. Ravi Bishnoi’s bowling brilliance restricted Afghanistan to just one run, sealing a dramatic win for India.
Here’s a breakdown of the second Super Over:
India’s innings:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal took a single off the first ball.
- Rohit Sharma was caught out on the second ball.
- Rinku Singh hit a four on the third ball.
- Rinku Singh was caught out on the fourth ball.
Afghanistan’s innings:
- Mohammad Nabi was caught out on the first ball.
- Karim Janat took a single on the second ball.
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz was caught out on the third ball.
With this win, India secured a clean sweep of the 3-match T20I series, showcasing their dominance against a spirited Afghan side. Rohit Sharma, with his record-breaking century and Super Over heroics, was undoubtedly the Player of the Match and Player of the Series.
Key Talking Points:
- Rohit Sharma’s magnificent 121 and Super Over heroics.
- India’s remarkable recovery from 22/4 to post 212.
- Afghanistan’s thrilling comeback led by Gulbadin Naib’s late cameo.
- Two Super Overs keeping the fans on the edge of their seats.
- India seal a 3-0 series win, showcasing their T20I prowess.
