India vs Afghanistan, In a breathtaking spectacle of T20 cricket, India emerged victorious against Afghanistan in the third T20 International after not one but two nail-biting superovers. The pulsating encounter, held at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, showcased incredible performances from both sides, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
Double Super Over Drama: India vs Afghanistan
Chasing a formidable target of 212, Afghanistan matched India’s score of 16 in the first super over, setting the stage for an unprecedented second super over. In the thrilling decider, Rohit Sharma’s side successfully defended a target of 12, with Ravi Bishnoi claiming the essential two wickets. The double super-over drama added an extra layer of excitement to an already intense contest.
Rohit Sharma’s T20 Century:
India’s innings, led by captain Rohit Sharma, was nothing short of spectacular. Facing early setbacks at 22 for four, Rohit Sharma played a captain’s knock. Scoring an unbeaten 121 off 69 balls, marking his fifth T20 century. The innings, supported by Rinku Singh’s aggressive 69 off 39 deliveries, powered India to an imposing total of 212/4 in 20 overs.
Gulbadin Naib’s Heroics for Afghanistan:
Afghanistan, in their pursuit of 212, showcased remarkable resilience, ending with an identical score. Gulbadin Naib’s explosive 55 off 23 balls played a pivotal role in the visitors’ stunning comeback. Despite India’s early bowling onslaught, Afghanistan clawed their way back into the game, setting up a dramatic finale.
Fareed Ahmad Malik’s Bowling Brilliance:
While the Indian batsmen dominated the majority of the innings. Afghanistan’s Fareed Ahmad Malik stood out with exceptional bowling figures of 3/20. His crucial wickets added some balance to Afghanistan’s performance, creating tense moments for the Indian team.
Captains’ Contributions:
Both Rohit Sharma and Afghanistan’s skipper, Ibrahim Zadran, showcased leadership qualities in their respective roles. Rohit’s exceptional century and Zadran’s strategic captaincy added an intriguing layer. To the match, making it a battle of not just skill but leadership.
Series Sweep for India:
With this thrilling victory, India completed a 3-0 series sweep against Afghanistan, underlining their dominance in the T20 format. The series witnessed extraordinary moments, and individual brilliance, and showcased the depth of talent in both squads.
Looking Ahead:
As the teams reflect on this epic encounter, the focus will shift to the upcoming challenges. And preparations for future tournaments. India’s impressive run, especially in a series featuring double super-overs. Will boost their confidence as they aim for continued success in T20 cricket.
Squads:
- India: Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan, Mukesh Kumar.
- Afghanistan: Ibrahim Zadran (captain), Rahmanullah Gurbaz (WK), Ikram Alikhil (WK), Hazratullah Zazai, Rahmat Shah, Najibullah Zadran, Mohammad Nabi, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Fareed Ahmad, Naveen Ul Haq, Noor Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad, Gulbadin Naib, Rashid Khan.