Zaheer Khan called Ravi Bishnoi’s appointment for the second Super Over in India’s third T20I against Afghanistan a ‘bold and clever call’.
Following 212 runs scored by both teams in the regular game, the last Twenty20 International in Bengaluru on Wednesday, January 17, proceeded into a Super Over. Before Bishnoi helped the Men in Blue win the match by defending 11 runs in the second Super Over, the first Super Over also ended in a draw.
In the course of a Colors Cineplex conversation, Zaheer was asked what he felt about Ravi Bishnoi receiving the second Super Over. He responded:
“I believe it was a smart and brave decision because you don’t have that much time in these situations. You have to back your instincts and thinking. So whoever was part of that think-tank, you need to praise them for sure.”
Zaheer Khan
The former seamer for India pointed out that in the second Super Over, the hosts were unable to set the visitors a significant target. He clarified:
“The second Super Over started very well, (India) started with a six. So it seemed like India would bat Afghanistan out, but that didn’t happen. They lost two wickets and didn’t even play the entire six balls.”
Zaheer Khan
Zaheer went on to say that any bowler would find it difficult to contain 11 runs. He thought to himself:
“After that, you had to take a big decision, about who would bowl. So that decision was taken very well because batters generally score 12 runs easily as the bowler makes mistakes due to the pressure on him.”
Zaheer Khan
Rohit Sharma nailed 11 run hits in the first three balls of the second Super Over. Then, India experienced the loss of two players in rapid succession. A decision had to be made by the Indian captain and the team management between Bishnoi and Avesh Khan for their bowling choice. Ultimately, the leg-spinner was selected.
“You need to praise him as well” – Zaheer Khan on Ravi Bishnoi
Ravi Bishnoi was also commended by Zaheer Khan for delivering a crucial over during pressure, with further details provided:
“Ravi Bishnoi came there and the way he started and picked up two wickets, you need to praise him as well, because he was bowling under pressure in a Super Over. He was oozing confidence. He was looking extremely calm. So that was one very good thing and secondly, the entire think-tank for taking that decision.”
Zaheer Khan
On the opening ball of the second Super Over, Bishnoi had Mohammad Nabi caught at long-off by Rinku Singh. He let up a run off the second delivery, but then Rinku caught Rahmanullah Gurbaz at the same position to ensure that India won.