The 3rd T20I between India and Afghanistan in Bengaluru on January 17, 2024, will be remembered for a long time as a match that defied all odds and went down to the wire in a double super over finish. In a pulsating encounter, India emerged victorious, clinching the series 3-0 and showcasing their resilience under pressure.
Rohit Sharma’s Ton Sets the Stage for a High-Scoring Affair
India, opting to bat first, rode on a magnificent century from skipper Rohit Sharma (121) to post a formidable total of 212/4. Rinku Singh (69*) provided able support, and the duo stitched a crucial 133-run partnership to lay the foundation for a big score.
Afghanistan’s Valiant Fightback Forces a Super Over
Afghanistan, in response, started cautiously but gradually gained momentum. Hazratullah Zazai (59) and Ibrahim Zadran (48) played some enterprising knocks, and with contributions from the lower order, they managed to reach 212/8, tying the score and forcing a Super Over.
Super Over Drama Unfolds: India Holds Nerve
In the first Super Over, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli managed 16 runs for India, while Fazalhaq Farooqi conceded just 13 for Afghanistan, taking the tie into a second Super Over. This time, Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik stepped up for India, scoring 12 runs off Naveen-ul-Haq. Ravi Bishnoi then bowled a magnificent second Super Over, picking up two wickets and restricting Afghanistan to just 11 runs, sealing a thrilling victory for India.
