In an electrifying T20 encounter against Afghanistan in Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma, the captain of the Indian cricket team, showcased an extraordinary batting performance, smashing a splendid century. This remarkable feat marked his fifth T20 International century, making him the first player ever to achieve such a milestone in the shortest format of the game.
Rohit’s unbeaten innings of 121 runs off 69 deliveries, comprising 11 fours and 8 sixes, played a pivotal role in India’s recovery from a challenging start. The team found itself in a precarious position at 22 for four after choosing to bat first. However, Rohit, along with his partner Rinku Singh, turned the game around with an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership of 190 runs.
The significance of Rohit’s innings extended beyond personal achievements. With this century, he surpassed Virat Kohli’s record and became the Indian cricket team’s captain with the most runs in T20 Internationals. Kohli held the previous record with 1570 runs.
Despite the impressive statistics, Rohit’s innings wasn’t characterized by sheer aggression. He had to exercise restraint due to the challenging situation the team faced. Rinku Singh, playing the role of the perfect sidekick, also displayed controlled aggression, contributing significantly to the partnership.
Rohit, unsettled the Afghan spinners
During the innings, Rohit showcased his adaptability by employing a rare shot— the reverse sweep— to unsettle the Afghan spinners. This unconventional stroke even earned him a T20 fifty for the first time since October 2022. Additionally, classic Rohit shots, including pulls and an awe-inspiring on-one-leg pull that sailed into the second tier off pacer Mohammed Saleem, added to the spectacle.
Rohit’s century, achieved off 63 balls, was his first in T20 Internationals since 2018. It surpassed his previous highest score of 118 against Sri Lanka in 2017. The innings was a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and controlled aggression, solidifying Rohit Sharma’s reputation as a cricketing maestro.
Super Game with Double Super Over
The game however had a twist in the tale, as it saw two super overs being played out between the two sides.
Chasing the total of 213, Afghanistan were never out of the equation, with their batters powring through the order. Fifties on top for Gurbaz and Zadra kept them in the game, then a strong finish by Nabi saw them tie the match.
This took the game into a super over, and what drama awaited the fans at Chinnaswamy Stadium. The first set of super over saw Afghanistan post 16 runs on the board. And despite captain Rohit hitting two sixes in the next over, India could only manage to equal the score.
Hence, the game went into another set of super over. This time batting first India got all out for 11 runs. They lost their two batters Rohit and Sanju Samson. Everyone thought that Aghanistan would win the game fare and square, that is when Rohit played his master stroke.
It is a common notion to give the ball to a pace bowler in such situations, but Rohit handed the ball to a spinner in the form of Ravi Bishnoi, who clinched two wickets and gave away just 1 runs in his 3 balls to win the game for India.
