The last time India played a T20I in Bengaluru, the match produced one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory. On January 17, 2024, India faced Afghanistan in the third and final T20I of a three-match series at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and the contest required two Super Overs before a winner could be decided. India won the second Super Over by 10 runs to seal the match and the series.
India batted first and posted 212/4, a total built on a commanding partnership between Rohit Sharma and Rinku Singh. Rohit remained unbeaten on 121 off 69 balls, earning him the Player of the Match award. Rinku contributed an unbeaten 69 to give India a formidable total. Fareed Ahmad was the pick of the Afghanistan bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/20.
Afghanistan matched India’s 212 in their chase, ending their innings at 212/6 to force the first Super Over. The first Super Over also ended level, sending the match into a second Super Over. India won that decider by 10 runs to claim the match.
How did Afghanistan manage to match India’s 212?
Afghanistan’s chase of 212 was a remarkable team effort. The Afghan batters kept their side in the contest throughout the innings and eventually reached the target to level the scores at the end of 20 overs, finishing at 212/6. That result forced the first Super Over, which also ended without separating the two sides, making a second Super Over necessary.
The match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium therefore became one of the rare T20I contests to go to two Super Overs. Afghanistan’s ability to match a total of 212 in a high-pressure chase, and then stay level through a first Super Over, underlined the quality and resilience their batting unit showed on the night. India ultimately held their nerve in the second Super Over, winning it by 10 runs to take the match and complete a series victory.
What made Rohit Sharma’s innings stand out?
Rohit Sharma’s unbeaten 121 off 69 balls was the centrepiece of India’s innings. It was a knock that carried India to 212/4 and set the platform for what became an extraordinary finish. A T20I century is a rare achievement in itself, and Rohit’s ability to remain not out while scoring at that rate underlined the control and authority he maintained throughout his time at the crease.
Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 69 complemented Rohit’s effort and ensured India posted a total that Afghanistan could only match, not surpass, in regulation play. The partnership between the two batters was the backbone of India’s innings and proved decisive in giving the hosts enough runs to defend across two Super Overs. Rohit was named Player of the Match for his contribution, a recognition that reflected how central his innings was to India’s eventual victory in the second Super Over.
