In an unprecedented turn of events, the 3rd T20 International between India and Afghanistan at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru will be etched into the history books as the maiden instance of a double Super Over in International Cricket. The clash between these two competitive sides was electrifying, with neither team willing to concede defeat easily, culminating in a nail-biting finish that had India sealing a series sweep by the slenderest of advantages.
The air was charged with anticipation as 213 runs became the formidable target set for Afghanistan by the hosts. Each delivery and every swing of the bat was loaded with the potential to tip the balance of the game. Despite the formidable chase, the Afghan players matched their adversaries blow for blow, pushing the match into a Super Over after the scores were deadlocked.
The first Super Over saw Afghanistan go on the offensive, posting a challenging 16 runs. India, under immense pressure, managed to level the scores once again, leaving the outcome undecided and setting the stage for a second tie-breaker. It was this second Super Over that scripted a remarkable climax to an already thrilling encounter.
When the hosts took their turn at batting again in the unprecedented second Super Over, they could muster 11 runs, leaving everyone on the edge of their seats. Afghanistan’s chase in response began with Mohammad Nabi and Karim Janat at the helm. However, the Indian bowling proved too formidable, with Ravi Bishnoi making a decisive strike, claiming two wickets in just three balls and restricting the Afghan response to a mere one run.
The victory was not just about winning the match but also about how India, through resilience and skill under pressure, secured their 9th series whitewash of 3 or more matches—a commendation to their sustained dominance in the cricketing arena.
The teams had started with their standard Playing XI, showcasing the prowess of seasoned athletes and the promise of emerging talents. India’s lineup included powerhouse names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma—who captained the side—Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Avesh Khan. Afghanistan, determined to thwart India’s march to victory, fielded Rahmanullah Gurbaz as their wicketkeeper, captain Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
The match’s end result, however, does not entirely reflect the intensity with which Afghanistan contested. Throughout the game, the Afghan players demonstrated fortitude and an ever-improving skill set that proves their emerging status in International Cricket. Both teams exerted every ounce of their ability, creating an unforgettable cricketing spectacle.
While the cricketing community has experienced Super Overs, the intensity and rarity of a double Super Over have added an exhilarating chapter to the annals of the sport. Fans who witnessed the event live or through broadcasts around the world were treated to a high-octane cricketing drama, the likes of which International Cricket had never before seen.
India’s triumph in this game not only marks their winning streak but also highlights the unpredictable and vibrant nature of T20 cricket. As the players from both sides walked off the field, there was a shared recognition of having been part of a truly historic game—one that has potentially set the bar for excitement in the T20 format.
