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The M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed a cricketing spectacle on Wednesday as India and Afghanistan clashed in the 3rd T20I of a nail-biting three-match series. The encounter left fans on the edge of their seats, culminating in a double super-over thriller that will be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts for years to come. Amidst the breathtaking action, it was the animated exchanges and fiery moments involving Indian captain Rohit Sharma that stole the spotlight.
Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh’s remarkable partnership
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, India faced early setbacks, finding themselves in a struggling position at 22-4. The Afghanistan bowlers, led by Fareed Ahmad‘s impressive spell of 3/20, had the home team on the ropes. However, what followed was nothing short of extraordinary.
Rohit, known for his resilience, joined forces with Rinku Singh, and together, they stitched a remarkable unbeaten 190-run partnership. Rohit’s scintillating century (his fifth in T20Is) was the cornerstone of India’s innings, as he scored 121 off 69 balls. Rinku’s fiery 69 off 39 deliveries complemented Rohit’s innings, resurrecting India’s total to an imposing 212/4.
Rohit Sharma’s humorous and fiery moments
In a humorous turn, Rohit’s innings began with a funny incident where the first two boundaries he scored were declared leg byes by the umpire. Ever the jolly character, Rohit couldn’t resist calling out to the umpire, saying, “Arey viru, thigh-pad diya kya pehla four? Bat laga tha! (Hey Viru, did you signal for the thigh pad on the first four? I hit that with my bat!)”
Here’s the video:
🔊Agree to disagree! 😉
Skipper Rohit Sharma pleads his case to the umpire for a turned-down boundary! 🤯#GiantsMeetGameChangers #JioCinemaSports #INDvAFG #IDFCFirstBankT20ITrophy pic.twitter.com/vGmrtQgtjh
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) January 17, 2024
However, Rohit’s mood turned sour when a no-ball was not given, leading to a visibly disappointed captain giving an earful to the umpire.
No ball or not ??#RohitSharma #ViratKohli #PAKvsNZ #INDvsAFG pic.twitter.com/rGdVvUJ27a
— Ashu prajapati (@Ashupra96304089) January 17, 2024
Also READ: Afghanistan’s Karim Janat joins an unwanted list of bowlers to concede 36 runs in an over in T20Is
Afghanistan’s resilient chase
Chasing the formidable target of 212, Afghanistan displayed immense resilience. Contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran, and Mohammad Nabi set the stage for the standout performance by Gulbadin Naib, who played a herculean knock of 55 off 23 balls. The visitors managed to reach the exact target, forcing the match into a thrilling tie.
The dramatic first super-over
As the regular proceedings ended in a tie, the match proceeded to a super-over. Afghanistan posted a challenging 16 runs, setting the stage for India’s reply.
The heated exchange between Rohit Sharma and Mohammad Nabi
Tempers flared during the final delivery of the over, with Rohit expressing displeasure at Afghanistan’s decision to take two extra runs after the ball deflected off Mohammad Nabi. This led to a heated exchange between Rohit and Nabi, adding an extra layer of drama to the already intense situation.
Here’s the video:
Nabi and Rohit Sharma fight 😱😲
17 to win
Btw way is fat Sharma complaining there player literally ran after it hit Thier bat in the 1/2 game pic.twitter.com/o7KhLnOnad— Sports Production (@SportsProd37) January 17, 2024
In an epic battle, India matched the score, leading to yet another tie in the super-over.
Double super over thriller
The drama continued as the match went into a second super-over. India, batting first, scored 11 runs. Afghanistan needed 12 runs to win but fell short, losing both wickets in the process as Ravi Bishnoi‘s exceptional effort secured India’s victory in the double super-over thriller.
