In what unfolded as a spectacular showcase of T20 cricket, the Indian cricket team clinched a nail-biting victory over Afghanistan in the third and final T20I at Bengaluru’s iconic M Chinnaswamy Stadium. On a Wednesday that cricket aficionados will remember for years, Rohit Sharma led from the front with an unbeaten knock, carving his fifth T20I century and steering India to a formidable total of 212. Despite Afghanistan’s valiant effort, which included three laudable half-centuries, the match escalated to not one, but two super overs where India ultimately triumphed.
The home side’s triumph embodied more than just a series win; it etched their name in the record books as they surpassed Pakistan to boast the record for the most T20I series whitewashes. India now proudly stands with nine wins in three or five-match T20I series.
India, with the series already in their bag, ventured into further experimentation with their lineup after winning the toss, introducing Sanju Samson, Avesh Khan, and Kuldeep Yadav to the playing eleven in place of Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, and Arshdeep Singh. Afghanistan also shuffled their deck, with Qais Ahmad, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Mohammad Saleem, and Fareed Ahmad stepping into the fray.
The match commenced on a grim note for the hosts, who had their backs against the wall with a meager 22 runs on the board and four batsmen back in the pavilion within the first five overs. Gripping the surface firmly, the pitch at Chinnaswamy was not conducive to cavalier batting, reflected by India’s cautious approach leading to only 61 runs in the powerplay overs.
Then unfurled a partnership of mammoth proportions as Rohit found an ally in Rinku Singh. Together, they changed the complexion of the game, hammering a record-breaking 190 runs for the fifth wicket—a world record for the fifth wicket and also the highest for any wicket for India in T20I cricket. Rohit’s masterclass yielded a formidable 121* off 69 deliveries, etching his name in the annals as the first player globally to notch up five T20I centuries. Meanwhile, Rinku Singh announced his arrival with a blistering unbeaten 69 from just 39 balls.
The Indian captain also obliterated Virat Kohli’s record for the most runs by an Indian skipper in T20 cricket, solidifying his reputation as one of the format’s greats.
The Afghan response was as fierce as it was inspiring. Three of their batsmen crossed the fifty-run mark, snatching the game from the jaws of a comfortable Indian victory and pushing it into the realm of extraordinary. Two tension-laden super overs had to decide the outcome, with India prevailing in a heart-stopping climax that was a fitting conclusion to an exhilarating contest.
India’s final eleven featured a blend of experience and fresh talent including Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma (c), Virat Kohli, Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson (wk), Rinku Singh, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mukesh Kumar, Kuldeep Yadav, and Avesh Khan. Afghanistan’s side comprised Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Ibrahim Zadran (c), Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Najibullah Zadran, Karim Janat, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Qais Ahmad, Mohammad Saleem Safi, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.
The match not only showcased the relentless spirit and determination of both teams but also demonstrated the unpredictable charm of the shortest format. As the dust settles on this high-octane encounter, fans and players alike eagerly anticipate the narratives the future encounters will weave, with both teams displaying commendable grit and a captivating brand of cricket.
