India Clinches Thrilling Series Win Against Afghanistan After Double Super Over Drama

Yesterday, The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium witnessed one of the most dramatic and nail-biting T20I matches in cricket history. In a series finale, India and Afghanistan were locked in a battle that needed not one, but two Super Overs to settle the score.

India's Mammoth Total Rohit and Rinku's Blaze:

Batting first, India recovered from a shaky start (22/4) to post a mammoth 212/4 thanks to a record-breaking century by skipper Rohit Sharma (121*) and a blistering 69* off 39 balls by Rinku Singh. Rinku's late-overs onslaught, featuring three sixes off the last three balls, left the Afghan bowlers gasping for air.

Afghanistan's Gritty Response:

Chasing a daunting target, Afghanistan displayed phenomenal grit and determination. Opner Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Ibrahim Zadran (50) both scored 50 and gave a good start. Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi anchored the chase with crucial knocks, taking the game to the final over. Needing 19 runs off the last six balls, Gulbadin Naib smashed one six and one four off Mukesh Kumar, tying the score and forcing the first-ever Super Over in a T20I series.

Super Over Mayhem:

In the first Super Over, Afghanistan batting first, scored 16 runs against Mukesh Kumar. On the last ball of 1st super over Nabi miscued a shot, deflecting the ball off his leg towards Kohli at long-on. Nabi ran two overthrows, triggering a heated exchange with Rohit Sharma as it wasn't clear if the runs were legal.

While Chasing, India needed 17 off 6 balls, and the drama unfolded. Rohit hit two sixes on Azmatullah Omarzai's balls. Now Jaiswal is on Strike and 2 runs are needed on the last ball of 1st super over. Jaiswal missed the shot and Rinku ran and the match was tied again, necessitating a second Super Over.

Bishnoi's Brilliance Seals the Deal:

In the 2nd Super Over, India sent Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh to face open. Rohit started with a six and four, then Rinku went out on the first ball, and then Sanju missed the ball as a result of a runout. India gave a 12-run target in the second super over.

In the second Super Over, young leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi displayed nerves of steel, conceding only 1 run and two wickets and sealing a thrilling series win for India.

A Match for the Ages:

The India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I will be remembered not just for its nail-biting finish but also for the display of extraordinary skill and sportsmanship. While India emerged victorious, Afghanistan's fighting spirit and resilience won the hearts of fans. This match has undoubtedly taken its place among the greatest T20I encounters, reminding us why cricket is truly the "gentleman's game" with an unpredictable twist.