On This Day in 2020: Rohit’s super over heroics secure India’s maiden T20I series win in New Zealand

In the third T20I between India and New Zealand on January 29, 2020, at Seddon Park in Hamilton, India secured a thrilling victory in the Super Over, clinching their first-ever T20I series win in New Zealand. Batting first, India posted a competitive total of 179 for 5, with Rohit Sharma leading the charge with a scintillating 65 off 40 balls. His innings were laced with six fours and three sixes, providing India with a solid foundation.

In response, New Zealand’s chase was anchored by their captain, Kane Williamson, who played a masterful knock of 95 runs off 48 deliveries. His innings included eight fours and six sixes, bringing the hosts tantalizingly close to the target. However, with nine runs required off the final over, bowled by Mohammed Shami, the game took a dramatic turn. Shami conceded a six off the first ball but then dismissed Williamson and Ross Taylor in quick succession, restricting New Zealand to 179 for 6 and pushing the match into a Super Over.

In the Super Over, New Zealand, with Williamson and Martin Guptill at the crease, managed to score 17 runs against Jasprit Bumrah, setting India a target of 18 runs. India sent in Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul to chase the target. The chase boiled down to India needing 10 runs off the last two deliveries. Displaying remarkable composure under pressure, Rohit Sharma smashed two consecutive sixes off Tim Southee, sealing a memorable victory for India.

This victory not only secured the series for India with a 3-0 lead but also marked their maiden T20I series win on New Zealand soil. Rohit Sharma’s heroics earned him the Man of the Match award, and he reflected on the pressure of the Super Over, stating, “Never done that before (batting in Super Over). I didn’t know what to expect, whether to go from the first ball or wait for a while.”

This match is remembered as one of the most thrilling encounters in T20I history, showcasing the unpredictable and exhilarating nature of the format. Rohit Sharma’s consecutive sixes in the Super Over remain etched in the memories of cricket fans as a testament to his ability to perform under immense pressure.