Afghanistan’s Tour of India (3rd T20)
In a T20I series filled with breathtaking moments, the third and final encounter between India and Afghanistan took the drama to unprecedented levels. India posted an imposing total of 212 for 4 in their 20 overs, with Rohit Sharma’s remarkable unbeaten century steering the innings, while Rinku Singh aggressively provided valuable support. Afghanistan then tied the game with impressive half centuries from Naib, Gurbaz and Zadran, taking the game to not one but two Super Overs. Amidst all the drama and controversy, India emerged victorious thanks to a brilliant last over from leggy Ravi Bishnoi.
Earlier in the match, the Indians were quickly put on the back foot after losing 4 wickets in the powerplay. Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singhs exceptional batting in the overs that followed. However Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh piled on an important 190 runs for the 5th wicket, with Sharma leading the charge with a mighty 121 not out. Together the pair ended the first innings with an unbelievable 212 runs for 4 wickets, also sharing a jaw dropping 36 runs in the final over.
In response, Afghanistan matched India’s score precisely, reaching 212 for 6, driven by half-centuries from Gulbadin Naib, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and Ibrahim Zadran. Afghanistan took the fight right to the Indians, not letting up for even a second.The intensity reached new heights, leading to the rare occurrence of two Super Overs.
In the first Super Over, both teams scored 11 runs. However, a dispute emerged when Nabi took runs after a deflection off his body, leading to a re-play of the Super Over. In the second Super Over, India emerged victorious by restricting Afghanistan to just 1 run, securing a 3-0 series win. Ravi Bishnoi played a pivotal role, conceding only 2 runs and taking 2 wickets in the final over of the match.
India’s 3-0 series win was marked by high drama, controversy, and extraordinary individual performances. Afghanistan fought valiantly, with Gulbadin Naib leading their charge, but ultimately India’s resilience and clinical execution in the Super Overs secured a memorable victory.
Chief Scores:
India – 212 for 4 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 121*, Rinku Singh 69*, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Fareed Ahmad 3 for 20, Azmatullah Omarzai 1 for 33, Sharafuddin Ashraf 0 for 25)
Afghanistan – 212 for 6 (Gulbadin Naib 55*, Rahmanullah Gurbaz 50, Ibrahim Zadran 50, Washington Sundar 3 for 18, Kuldeep Yadav 1 for 31, Avesh Khan 1 for 55)
India – 11 for 2 in Super Over (Rohit Sharma 11, Fareed Ahmad 1 for 11)
Afghanistan 1 for 2 in Super Over (Karim Janat 1*, Ravi Bishnoi 2 for 1)
