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In a nail-biting encounter between India and Afghanistan in the third and final T20 match, cricket witnessed a historic moment as two Super Overs were played for the first time in the history of international T20 cricket. The match, held at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, ended with India clinching victory in the second Super Over, securing a 3-0 series win just ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup.
India set an imposing target of 213 runs in their innings, with a spectacular partnership between Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh. Despite losing four wickets early in the innings, the duo showcased exceptional batting prowess, with Rohit Sharma smashing a record-breaking fifth T20 international century. His innings of 121 runs off 69 balls, supported by Rinku Singh's quick 69 off 39 balls, propelled India to a total of 212/4 in 20 overs.
In response, Afghanistan, led by captain Ibrahim Zadran and Rahamanullah Gurbaz, started strongly with a 93-run partnership. However, Kuldeep Yadav broke the partnership by dismissing Gurbaz. The middle order, featuring contributions from Mohammad Nabi and Sharafuddin Ashraf, kept Afghanistan in the chase. The match took a dramatic turn in the final over, with Afghanistan needing 19 runs for victory.
The climax unfolded in the second Super Over after both teams scored 16 runs each in the first Super Over. In the thrilling second Super Over, India batted first, posting a total of 11 runs. Afghanistan, in response, managed only 1 run, allowing India to secure the win and complete a 3-0 series sweep.
Washington Sundar played a crucial role for India, taking three wickets in the match. His exceptional performance in the second Super Over, where he claimed two wickets in three deliveries, proved decisive in India's triumph.
The historic double Super Over encounter left cricket fans on the edge of their seats, and the series victory added to India's confidence as they approach the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. The remarkable display of talent and resilience by both teams will be etched in the memories of cricket enthusiasts as a testament to the unpredictable and thrilling nature of the sport.
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