In Bengaluru, Afghanistan’s Gulbadin Naib showcased a spectacular innings with an unbeaten 55 off just 23 balls during the third and final T20I. Despite his heroic efforts to level the score with India’s imposing target of 213, the former captain fell short in the nail-biting last-ball finish of the double Super Over thriller. Although India ultimately clinched the series 3-0, social media erupted in praise for Gulbadin’s remarkable fight.
In the recently concluded T20I series against India, Afghanistan’s most impactful batters were the battle-hardened warriors Mohammad Nabi and Gulbadin Naib, despite the hosts securing a 3-0 victory. While the majority of Afghan batsmen faced challenges in exerting pressure on the Indian bowlers, Nabi and Gulbadin displayed a penchant for hitting boundaries effortlessly. The third T20I in Bengaluru witnessed a remarkable 56-run partnership for the fourth wicket, forged in just 22 balls between Nabi and Gulbadin, which played a pivotal role in Afghanistan’s pursuit of the daunting 213-run target. Although Nabi departed after scoring 34 off 16 balls, Gulbadin’s unbeaten 55 off 23 balls carried the match to a Super Over, showcasing their resilience and skill under pressure.
The experienced right-hander displayed such prowess with the bat that he couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed for not finishing the match. Despite Afghanistan requiring 19 to win off the last six balls, his gallant effort to secure 18, fueled by a crucial six and four in the final over, showcased his resilience. Celebrating his 100th T20I, Gulbadin marked the occasion with four sixes and four boundaries, building on his impressive 57-run innings in the 2nd T20I in Indore, where he faced just 35 balls.
Ravichandran Ashwin, impressed by Nabi’s stellar performances against India, indirectly criticized all 10 IPL franchise owners. The veteran all-rounder pointed out that Gulbadin has proven himself as a finisher, urging any of the franchises to give him a chance. Ashwin wrote, “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,” on X (formerly Twitter). Despite his remarkable display, Gulbadin went unsold at the IPL mini auction held in December the previous year.
In the Super Over, Gulbadin was run out on the first ball, but Nabi played a crucial role, smashing a six off Mukesh Kumar’s penultimate delivery and then securing two controversial byes off the last ball to push Afghanistan’s total to 16. The match went into another Super Over, marking the first instance in any international cricket match. India scored 16, and Afghanistan, managing only 1 run after Ravi Bishnoi took two wickets, including that of Nabi in three balls, ultimately led to India winning the match and the series 3-0.
Rohit Sharma’s record ton, coupled with fifties from openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran, made the inconsequential match one of the greatest T20I clashes. Veteran Indian spinner R Ashwin, acknowledging Gulbadin’s outstanding performance, commended his supreme effort while cheekily taking a swipe at the Indian Premier League franchises. Despite his last auction appearance in 2018 resulting in being overlooked by all franchises, Ashwin remained impressed by Gulbadin’s memorable innings.
