A Night of Drama: India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I Goes Down to the Wire
The 3rd T20I between India and Afghanistan on January 17th, 2024, at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, was a match for the ages. Not only did it mark India’s clean sweep of the three-match series, but it also went down as a historic encounter requiring two Super Overs to separate the sides.
Early Stumbles, Rohit Sharma to the Rescue
India’s batting got off to a shaky start, losing four wickets for just 22 runs. However, the stage was set for a magnificent partnership between the experienced Rohit Sharma and the young talent Rinku Singh. The duo stitched together a phenomenal 190-run stand, with Rohit scoring a brilliant century (121) and Rinku contributing a well-made 69. Thanks to their heroics, India posted a mammoth total of 212/4 on the board.
Afghanistan’s Fightback and a Dramatic Tie
In reply, Afghanistan displayed remarkable grit and determination. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (50) and Gulbadin Naib (55*) played some breathtaking shots, keeping their team in the hunt. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Afghanistan managed to tie the score at 212/6 with a last-ball six from Naib.
Super Over Shenanigans
The first Super Over itself was a nail-biter. Both teams scored 16 runs, forcing a second Super Over to decide the winner. This time, India, led by the exceptional bowling of Ravi Bishnoi (2 wickets for just 3 runs), restricted Afghanistan to a paltry 1/2. In reply, India chased down the target with relative ease, winning the match by 9 runs with 3 balls to spare.
Records Broken and Milestones Achieved
This epic encounter wasn’t just about the win. Rohit Sharma became the first batsman to score five centuries in T20I cricket, while India’s victory marked their dominance over Afghanistan throughout the series. The match also served as a perfect send-off for India before the ICC T20 World Cup later that year.
A Match to Remember
The 3rd T20I between India and Afghanistan will be etched in the memories of cricket fans for a long time. It was a night of breathtaking batting, exceptional bowling, and nerve-wracking finishes, showcasing the true spirit of the game.
This epic encounter wasn’t just about the thrilling finish. Rohit Sharma’s century marked a historic moment, making him the first batsman to score five T20I hundreds. The win also sealed India’s dominance over Afghanistan throughout the series, providing them with a strong boost of confidence heading into the ICC T20 World Cup later that year.
The 3rd T20I in Bengaluru will undoubtedly go down as one of the most dramatic and captivating matches in recent memory. It showcased the unpredictable nature of cricket, where exceptional individual performances can combine with nail-biting finishes to create an unforgettable experience for fans.
Scorecard Summary
- India: 212/4 (20 Overs)
- Rohit Sharma: 121 (67 balls)
- Rinku Singh: 69 (48 balls)
- Fareed Ahmad: 3/20 (4 Overs)
- Afghanistan: 212/6 (20 Overs) (Tied) & 1/2 (2 Overs) (Lost)
- Gulbadin Naib: 55* (23 balls)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz: 50 (38 balls)
- Washington Sundar: 3/18 (3 Overs)
- Ravi Bishnoi: 2/3 (2 Overs in Super Overs)
