In an exciting match that had never been seen before, India and Afghanistan played a T20 International that will go down in cricket history. A double super over was played for the first time in an international cricket match. The game took place in Bengaluru on January 17, 2024.

The match showed the best of T20 cricket; it was full of highs and lows of feeling and skill. India made a great score of 212 for 4, with Rohit Sharma’s amazing fifth T20I century leading the way. Rohit’s batting performance was outstanding; he led the team from a dangerous 22 for 4 to a respectable score, working together with Rinku Singh to set a new record.

However, Afghanistan, displaying exceptional batting prowess, matched India’s score, ending their innings at 212 for 6. This nail-biting finish led to the first Super Over, a scenario rarely seen in international cricket. In the Super Over, both teams continued their high-level performance, but the scores remained tied, leading to an extraordinary and historic second Super Over.

Rohit Sharma, who had already been very important to India’s game, came back to bat in both Super Overs and showed how skilled and determined he was. He worked hard, and India made smart changes to their bowling strategy, which helped them win this great battle.

This match was more than just a game; it was a spectacle of skill, strategy, and nerves. It proved that in the world of T20 cricket, anything is possible, and records are there to be broken. The double Super Over added a new chapter to cricket’s history, making this match a memorable one for players and fans alike.

Super Over in Cricket

A Super Over is a tie-breaking method used in cricket, particularly in the shorter formats like T20 and One Day Internationals (ODIs). It comes into play when a match ends in a tie, meaning both teams have scored the same number of runs. The Super Over is designed to determine a winner in a thrilling and fair manner.

Break Down of Super Over in Simple Terms

• Basic Concept: Each team gets to bat for one additional over, which consists of six legal deliveries. The team that scores the most runs in their Super Over wins the match.
• Choosing the Players: Only three batsmen and one bowler from each team are allowed to participate in the Super Over. The choice of players is strategic and crucial, as teams usually opt for their best hitters and a reliable bowler.
• Batting Second Advantage?: The team that batted second in the main match usually bats first in the Super Over. This is because batting second gives a slight advantage, as the team knows the target they need to beat.
• Tie in Super Over: If the Super Over also ends in a tie, again the Super over will be played, the winner is not decided by the number of boundaries scored throughout the match (The boundary count rule was removed after the controversial 2019 final between England and New Zealand). However, rules can vary in different tournaments.
• Fielding Restrictions: Similar to the main match, fielding restrictions apply in the Super Over. This means only two fielders are allowed outside the inner fielding circle.
• Dismissed Batter, Cannot Bat: During the first Super Over, if a batter is out, they cannot bat again during the next Super Over. But if the hitter gets hurt and has to leave the game, he can bat again in the next Super Over.
• Excitement for Fans: For cricket fans, a Super Over is extremely exciting. It brings an additional thrill to the match, often resulting in edge-of-the-seat moments.

A Super Over was first used in Twenty20 in 2008. It took the place of the bowl-out method as a way to break a tie.

The Last Time Scores Remained Tied in Super Over

The 2019 Cricket World Cup Final, played on July 14, 2019, at Lord’s in London, witnessed a historic and dramatic finish between England and New Zealand. This match is remembered as one of the most thrilling in cricket history.

Both teams ended their innings with 241 runs, leading to a Super Over to decide the winner. In the Super Over, England batted first and scored 15 runs without losing a wicket. New Zealand, in response, also scored 15 runs, but they lost one wicket.

The most dramatic moment came on the final ball of New Zealand’s Super Over. Martin Guptill tried to score the winning run but was run out by Jason Roy and Jos Buttler. This meant the Super Over was tied as well.

England was declared the winner based on the boundary count-back rule. They had scored 26 boundaries compared to New Zealand’s 17 during the match. This was the first time a One Day International final required a Super Over and the first time it was decided by a boundary count.

Check: Boundary count rule removed; Super Over to be repeated in case of tie

First Super Over: India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I

India’s Innings in the First Super Over

1. First Ball: Rohit Sharma faced the first ball, but he missed a full toss. The ball nearly hit the stumps, but the keeper missed the throw, allowing a single run.
2. Second Ball: Yashasvi Jaiswal attempted a ramp shot but only managed a single to fine leg.
3. Third Ball: Rohit Sharma hit a massive six over the mid-wicket boundary.
4. Fourth Ball: Another six from Rohit Sharma, this time over the covers.
5. Fifth Ball: A single from Rohit Sharma, cutting the ball to point.
6. Sixth Ball: Jaiswal on strike, and Rohit Sharma walked off to allow Rinku Singh to run. However, Jaiswal only managed an under-edge, and they stole a single.

Afghanistan’s Innings in the First Super Over

1. First Ball: Gulbadin Naib was run out trying to come back for a second run.
2. Second Ball: Mohammad Nabi hit a single.
3. Third Ball: Rahmanullah Gurbaz got a thick outside edge for four runs.
4. Fourth Ball: Gurbaz slashed through point for a single.
5. Fifth Ball: Nabi hit a six over the long-on boundary.
6. Sixth Ball: Controversy arose as Nabi missed a shot, and the batters completed a bye. The throw hit Nabi and deflected, allowing two more runs.

Second Super Over: India vs Afghanistan 3rd T20I

India’s Innings in the Second Super Over

1. First Ball: Rohit Sharma smacked a six right back over the bowler’s head.
2. Second Ball: Rohit hit a four over the short third man.
3. Third Ball: Rohit managed to dig out a yorker for a single.
4. Fourth Ball: Rinku Singh on strike, missed a slog. There was a review for an edge, but it was a dot ball.
5. Fifth Ball: Sanju Samson, the new batter, missed a slog and was run out trying to steal a single.

Afghanistan’s Innings in the Second Super Over

1. First Ball: Mohammad Nabi was caught at long-off.
2. Second Ball: Karim Janat could only get a single off a wide yorker.
3. Third Ball: India won as Gurbaz’s slog ended in the hands of the long-off fielder.

This in-depth look at both Super Overs shows how intensely tense and exciting the game was, with every ball being so important to the result.

FAQ’s on Double Super Over in Cricket

which team won the world cup, the first time the final was decided by a super over?

England won the World Cup the first time a Super Over decided the final. This happened in the 2019 Cricket World Cup Final. England was the first team to bat in the Super Over and got 15 runs without losing a wicket. After that, New Zealand got 15 runs, but they lost one wicket. England was declared the winner based on the boundary count-back rule.

Sunil Narine Maiden Super Over against Which Batsman?

Sunil Narine bowled a maiden Super Over against Nicolas Pooran and Ross Taylor. This happened in a Caribbean Premier League match where Narine was playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors against the Trinidad & Tobago Red Steel.

The excitement and unpredictability of cricket, especially highlighted in matches like the India vs Afghanistan T20 International with its double Super Over, make it a perfect sport for fantasy gaming. Imagine the scenario where you bet on a team to win, and the match ends in a draw. Then, in the Super Over, you bet again, but the match ties once more, leading to another Super Over. The rollercoaster of emotions and the unpredictability can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking.

This is where fantasy cricket, especially on platforms like Gamesys 11, becomes an attractive alternative. Unlike traditional betting, fantasy cricket is not just about picking a winning team. It’s about using your knowledge, skills, and understanding of the game to create a winning combination of players. You’re not just relying on the outcome of the match; instead, you’re actively involved in forming a team that you believe will perform the best based on your cricketing insights.

With Gamesys 11, turn your strategic choices into rewarding experiences.

🏏 Join Gamesys 11 today and start building your dream team! 🏏

Click here to install Gamesys 11

Gamesys11 Team

At Gamesys11, our team includes dedicated blog writers, who bring a wealth of cricket knowledge and experience to our content. From early cricket careers at divisional and district levels to deep dives into statistics and player insights, our writers are passionate about the sport. They specialize in crafting engaging blogs that explore team lineups, player statistics, and strategic predictions for upcoming contests, enhancing the experience for every cricket fan.