India vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I: Gulbadin Naib’s 55, Rohit Sharma-Rinku Singh's 190-run stand and Fareed Ahmad's 3-20 are top performances. India beat Afghanistan and clinch series by 3-0.
Brief Scores - Afghanistan 212/6 (Gulbadin 55, Zadran 50, Sundar 3/18) lost to India 212/4 (Rohit 121*, Rinku 69* Ahmad, 3/20) in 2nd Super Over.
Player of the Match – Rohit Sharma (121* off 69)
Player of the Series- Shivam Dubey (124 runs and 2 wickets)
At the Chinnaswamy Stadium, India and Afghanistan clashed in a high-stakes 3rd T20I. The match witnessed a dramatic turn of events, beginning with a stunning century from Rohit Sharma, who bounced back from two consecutive ducks. The intensity escalated as Afghanistan resiliently forced the game into two super-overs.
After a 16-all tie in the first super-over, a second one ensued, finally delivering a winner. The Chinnaswamy crowd was treated to a spectacle of fours, sixes, and wickets, culminating in a memorable Indian victory against Afghanistan.
Read More: IND vs AFG, 2nd T20I: Shivam Dube scintillating 63*, Yashasvi 68 power India to series win
Talking points from India vs Afghanistan, 3rd T20I
Rohit Sharma made a strong comeback after facing two consecutive ducks, with a remarkable century. Despite his brilliance, India's death bowling proved to be a significant letdown in the match. Despite having 19 runs to defend, they struggled to contain the opposition in the final over. This lapse forced the game into two super overs before India finally secured the win. The missed opportunity to close the match earlier indicates the need for improvement in critical death over situations.
Witnessing a cricketing spectacle, a total of 424 runs were scored in 40 overs without a decisive victor emerging right away. Gulbadin’s explosive 23-ball 55* proved pivotal in Afghanistan's surprising turnaround. Although Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran laid a solid foundation, the team faced adversity at 107 for 3. Nabi's quickfire 16-ball 34 injected momentum, and Naib sustained the pressure, leading Afghanistan to 36 required in the last two overs.
Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar's costly overs set the stage for a tense finish. Despite India's overall series dominance, Afghanistan's tenacious performance forced the game into two super overs, ultimately resulting in India securing a 3-0 series win after a thrilling double tiebreaker. Washington Sundar's notable 3 for 18 shone bright amidst India's challenging death bowling display.
Top 3 performances from India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I, Bengaluru
Rohit-Rinku Duo records highest T20I 5th Wicket Stand
Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh orchestrated an extraordinary rescue mission for India, scripting the highest partnership for the fifth wicket in T20Is. When the dynamic duo took charge at 22/4 in 5 overs, a resurgence began.
In 7th over, Rohit and Rinku turned the tide for India. Rohit smashed a crucial six off a slower delivery of Mohammad Saleem, followed by Rinku's massive hit over deep backward square. The over's impact was evident, as it marked a turning point for India's innings, propelling them towards a position from which they never looked back.
In a spectacular final over, the duo unleashed a barrage of boundaries, collecting 36 runs. Rinku displayed his power with three consecutive sixes, including a top-edged pull over deep square. Rohit, not to be outdone, achieved his highest T20I score with a six and a boundary. The over featured a no-ball that Rohit capitalized on with another towering six.
With this onslaught, India surged to a formidable total of 212-4, turning around from a challenging start at 22 for 4 after 5 overs. Karim Janat, the Afghan bowler, faced the brunt, finishing with figures of 3-0-54-0.
Fareed’s 3/20 gives early blows to India
Fareed Ahmad unleashed a fiery spell against India, becoming the catalyst in reducing them to a precarious 22/4 after the initial 5 overs. His aggressive bowling claimed three crucial wickets, setting the tone for Afghanistan's early dominance in the match.
The first victim was Virat Kohli, who attempted a slap pull but only managed to scoop it off the bat. The bounce proved tricky for Kohli, resulting in a straightforward catch for Ibrahim Zadran at mid-off.
In the next over, Yashasvi Jaiswal looked to break free but fell victim to Fareed's intelligent bowling. The ball stuck a bit on the surface, causing Jaiswal to mistime a whip shot, resulting in a huge top edge.
Continuing his impactful spell, Ahmad trapped Shivam Dube in a set-up. Dube, struggling with footwork, pushed at a delivery that kicked away, inducing an edge. With these three wickets, Fareed led Afghanistan's charge, leaving India in a precarious position early in the innings.
Gulbadin’s heroic chase propelled Afghanistan to super over
Gulbadin Naib showcased an explosive batting display. Avesh Khan faced the brunt of Naib's onslaught in the 13th over, where he scored 20 runs, including two massive sixes and a boundary. Naib's fearless approach continued as he punished Avesh for erring in length, smashing consecutive sixes in the 13th over.
As the tension mounted in the final over, Mukesh faced the challenge of defending 19 runs. With three runs needed off the last ball, Gulbadin Naib exhibited nerves of steel. He coolly manoeuvred the ball into the gap for a couple, ensuring the scores were tied, and the match headed into a super over. This remarkable innings not only led to a super over but also marked a fifty for Gulbadin Naib.
Statistical Highlights from India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I, Bengaluru
Rohit Sharma now has the most runs as India captain in T20Is.
Rohit Sharma surpasses Eoin Morgan to have maximum sixes in T20I as a captain.
The Rohit-Rinku duo registered the highest partnership for the fifth wicket in T20Is.
Rohit Sharma now has the most centuries in T20Is which is 5.
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