The Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru witnessed a cricket game for the ages on Wednesday. 424 runs, two Super Overs, and a nail-biting finish – it had everything! And in the heart of it all, stood Rohit Sharma, who pulled off a trump card in Ravi Bishnoi that secured a thrilling victory for India against Afghanistan.
With the first Super Over tied at 16, most expected pace to rule the second round. But Rohit Sharma surprised everyone by unleashing his secret weapon – Ravi Bishnoi. It was a gamble, but one that paid off handsomely. Notably, ahead of the 2nd Super Over, Avesh Khan was also warming up ahead but India skipper went with the ace spinner.
The young leggie took Mohammad Nabi out on the first ball, a dismissal that silenced the roaring Afghan crowd. He followed it up with Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s wicket three balls later, sending India into a frenzy and sealing the match.
Rohit Sharma calls up Ravi Bishnoi
Rahul Dravid later revealed that it was Rohit’s gut instinct that led to this masterstroke. He believed the spinner had a better chance of taking wickets, even against such powerful hitters. And Ravi Bishnoi repaid that faith with pinpoint accuracy, proving his captain’s intuition right.
The encounter wasn’t just about runs and wickets. There was a brief moment of tension in the first Super Over, with a throw hitting Nabi and sparking some on-field discussion. However, Dravid played it down, acknowledging the passion and competitiveness that come with high-stakes matches.
In the end, it was a night of Indian triumph, secured by Rohit Sharma’s bold captaincy and Ravi Bishnoi magical spell. The double Super Over, a first in international cricket, added a layer of drama to an already pulsating game. So, raise a glass to Rohit’s gamble, Bishnoi’s brilliance, and a night of cricket that will be talked about for years to come!
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