Afghanistan's hopes of salvaging their pride were dashed on Wednesday following a crushing loss in the third and final T20I against India in Bengaluru. Having already conceded the series, the visitors tested India to the limit by forcing not one, but two Super Overs under the light. After scores were level twice at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Afghanistan needed 12 runs in the second Super Over. However, the visitors lost two wickets in as many balls as India sneaked in a famous win.
Chasing 212, Afghanistan rode on half-centuries from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Ibrahim Zadran and Gulbadin Naib. Striking at over 239, Naib's knock of 55 off just 23 balls was the highlight of the innings as Afghanistan tied the score.
Veteran India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was mightly impressed with Naib's performance. The 32-year-old had also scored a quickfire half-century in the second match in Indore.
Ashwin pointed out that Naib has proved himself as a finisher, urging the IPL franchises to look out for the player in future.
"Gulbadin Naib says "notice me please, will you"?? I am a finisher from Asia with a base price of 50 L. Fantastic batting to get this game to a super over," Ashwin posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Coming back to the match, riding on skipper Rohit Sharma's unbeaten 69-ball 121 and Rinku Singh's 69 off 39 deliveries, India staged a remarkable recovery to post 212 for four after slipping to 22 for four in the fifth over.
In reply, Afghanistan also ended at 212 with Naib hammering a 23-ball 55 to lead his team's stunning comeback.
In the first Super Over, India equalled Afghanistan's score of 16 to stretch the match, but the visitors could not chase down a target of 12 in the second super over as Rohit's side picked the required two wickets through Ravi Bishnoi.
(With PTI Inputs)