1. A Nightmare Start for India
Opting to bat first, India faced a nightmare start with four wickets down, including Virat Kohli and Sanju Samson, during the powerplay. The challenging pitch, coupled with Afghanistan’s disciplined pacers, put India on the back foot early in the game.
2. Rohit and Rinku: Repairing the Damage
After the early setbacks, Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh took charge to repair the innings. Rohit, in particular, needed a big score, and both batsmen showcased resilience, gradually adapting to the challenging conditions.
3. Partnership Switches Gears in the Back End
With a steady start, the partnership between Rohit and Rinku shifted gears during the middle overs before exploding in the death overs. Rohit’s innovative shots, including a reverse sweep/switch hit, highlighted his adaptability, and a staggering 103 runs came off the final 30 balls.
4. Afghanistan’s Steady Start and Setback
Afghanistan started steadily in response, opting to build a platform rather than attacking during the powerplay. Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s aggressive fifty set the tone, but a brilliant fielding effort from Washington Sundar broke the opening stand, causing a temporary setback for the visitors.
5. Gulbadin and Nabi’s Counterattack
Facing a challenging target, Gulbadin Naib and Mohammad Nabi launched a stunning counterattack, adding 56 runs off just 22 balls. Despite losing Nabi, Gulbadin continued to attack, bringing the game to a thrilling climax.
6. Super Over Drama Unfolds
The game reached a crescendo with the Super Over, ending in a tie. Ravi Bishnoi’s composure under pressure played a pivotal role as India secured victory in the second Super Over, completing a series whitewash.
In a breathtaking encounter, Rohit Sharma’s record-breaking century and the subsequent Super Over drama left fans on the edge of their seats. From India’s nightmare start to Afghanistan’s valiant counterattack, the match had it all. Read on to relive the thrilling moments of this T20I showdown.
