India vs. Afghanistan, 3rd T20: A Rollercoaster Ride Decides the Series
The 3rd T20 between India and Afghanistan, played on January 17th, 2024, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was a match that etched itself in cricket history. It was a nail-biting thriller that went down to the wire, ending in a dramatic second Super Over victory for India, sealing the series 3-0.
India’s Batting Bonanza:
India got off to a shaky start, losing both KL Rahul and Virat Kohli for low scores. However, the tide turned dramatically with the entry of Rohit Sharma, who played a captain’s knock. He forged a magnificent 190-run partnership with Rinku Singh, who also showed exceptional grit and determination.
Rohit Sharma reached his fifth T20I century, becoming the first batsman to achieve this feat. He finished with a well-paced 121 runs, peppering the boundaries with elegant cuts and drives.
Rinku Singh, the young talent, played with maturity beyond his years, scoring a valuable 69 runs to support Rohit. Their partnership propelled India to a mammoth total of 212/4, putting considerable pressure on the Afghan chase.
Afghanistan’s Valiant Pursuit:
Afghanistan’s chase was equally thrilling. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran started briskly, putting on a 71-run opening partnership to give their team a good foundation. Gurbaz continued his aggressive intent, smashing a well-compiled 50 off just 29 deliveries.
Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib brought Afghanistan back into the game with a thrilling late blitz. Nabi hammered 39 runs off 18 balls, while Naib took on the Indian bowlers with exceptional power hitting, finishing unbeaten on 55 off 23 deliveries.
With six needed off the last ball, Naib almost pulled off the impossible, hitting a powerful shot towards the boundary. However, Yuzvendra Chahal managed to pull off a stunning save at the long-on boundary, tying the scores and forcing a Super Over.
Super Over Drama:
The first Super Over was just as nerve-wracking. Both teams scored 16 runs, adding to the tension. With the series on the line, the second Super Over saw India bat first. Virat Kohli, who struggled earlier, redeemed himself with a crucial 8 runs off 4 balls. Shivam Dube and Ravichandran Ashwin contributed valuable runs as well, taking India’s total to 11.
Ravi Bishnoi, the young spin wizard, shouldered the responsibility of defending the small target. He bowled with exceptional control and variations, dismissing both Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz for single-digit scores. Afghanistan could only manage 11 runs, handing India a thrilling 1-run victory in the second Super Over and a clean sweep of the series.
Key Takeaways:
- Rohit Sharma equaled MS Dhoni’s record for most wins as Indian captain.
- Shivam Dube was named Player of the Series for his all-round performance.
- Rohit Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant century.
- India got a much-needed confidence boost ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup.
This match will be remembered for its exhilarating moments, incredible individual performances, and the nail-biting finish. It was a match that truly defined the unpredictable and captivating nature of T20 cricket.