In the third T20I against Afghanistan, the young Indian wrist-spinner Ravi Bishnoi played a significant role by successfully defending a target of 12 in the second Super Over, ultimately securing victory for his team.
Following 212 runs in each innings and an initial Super Over failing to determine the winner, a second Super Over was required. As Mukesh Kumar couldn’t bowl again, the Indian team management had to decide between Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan.
As both bowlers were getting ready, it seemed like the decision to let Ravi Bishnoi bowl was made at the last moment. Bishnoi explained in an interview after the game how he got the chance to bowl.
“It (heartbeat) was quite fast (laughs). I enjoyed it quite a lot as I have also taken the experience of a double Super Over before. Both Avesh and I were prepared to bowl the Super Over but I was asked to bowl since two right-handers came out to bat and the leg-side boundary was bigger.”
Bishnoi played for the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020 season, where they faced the Mumbai Indians in a double Super Over.
“Bowl stump to stump and bowl back of a length”: Ravi Bishnoi discusses his strategy for the Super Over
Ravi Bishnoi justified the confidence placed in him by allowing only one run and dismissing Mohammad Nabi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Both batsmen failed to connect well and were caught by Rinku Singh at long off.
Regarding his approach against the two batsmen, Bishnoi mentioned: “The plan was to bowl stump to stump and bowl back of a length. I was fine with getting hit on the back foot as the batters will need to generate more power. Feels really good – there can’t be a better feeling than defending the Super Over and winning the game for the country.”
Bishnoi was costly in the second innings, giving away 38 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. Nevertheless, he made a strong comeback with outstanding bowling in the second Super Over.
This performance secured India’s undefeated record against Afghanistan in T20Is, making it 6-0 in head-to-head encounters.
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