Aoba Tanaka 
The third and final T20I clash between India and Afghanistan at the Chinnaswamy Stadium surpassed expectations, turning a supposed dead rubber into a historic encounter marked by twin Super Overs – a first in international cricket history. Beyond the enthralling action, the match witnessed notable moments, including Rohit Sharma’s record partnership with Rinku Singh, Gulbadin Naib’s batting prowess, and Virat Kohli’s agile fielding.
One of the intriguing instances that fueled post-match discussions was Mohammad Nabi’s decision to run for byes on the last ball of the first Super Over. Following a perfect wide yorker from India’s Mukesh Kumar, Nabi, unable to connect with the ball, saw non-striker Rahmanullah Gurbaz attempting a single. Wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, in an unusual move, lobbed the ball back to the bowler instead of holding onto it or aiming at the stumps.
The ball struck Nabi’s leg and deflected towards long-on, leading to a moment of confusion. While conventional cricket wisdom might discourage running in such situations, Nabi seized the opportunity, sprinting for a second run and eventually adding a third. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, expressed visible frustration, confronting Nabi with animated gestures.
In the ensuing Super Over, those extra byes played a pivotal role, contributing to Afghanistan’s total of 16. The debate on the spirit of the game was reignited, with opinions divided on Nabi’s actions. According to the laws of the game, Nabi’s actions were within the rules, reminiscent of debates surrounding incidents like the World Cup final with Ben Stokes.
India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, addressed the issue in the post-match press conference, stating, “No, it’s fine. It’s part of the game. It can be frustrating if you are at the receiving end, but it’s okay, it happens.” Dravid highlighted a similar incident involving an Indian batter in a previous match and emphasized that the rules permit such runs.
Ultimately, the spirited discussions and on-field drama added layers to the intense encounter, showcasing the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket. The match’s conclusion in a second Super Over, where India emerged victorious, cemented its status as a historic and unforgettable fixture.
