Rohit Sharma: The Master of Super Overs | Terrific Stats
Rohit Sharma’s exploits in Super Overs of T20Is highlight his exceptional ability to perform under pressure and his knack for turning the tide in India’s favor. One of his most memorable performances came during the 3rd T20I against New Zealand on January 29, 2020, at Seddon Park in Hamilton. The match ended in a tie with both teams scoring 179 runs in their allotted 20 overs, leading to a dramatic super over. Rohit’s brilliance in the super over, where he hit back-to-back sixes off the final two deliveries, sealed a thrilling victory for India and secured the series win.
Another standout performance occurred on January 17, 2024, in the 3rd T20I against Afghanistan at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Both teams were tied at 212 runs after 20 overs, leading to a rare occurrence of two super overs to determine the winner. Rohit scored a blistering 121 runs off 69 balls in the regular innings and continued his impressive form in the super overs. His contributions of 11 runs in the first super over and 14 runs in the second were pivotal in setting challenging targets for Afghanistan, ultimately helping India clinch the series 3-0.
Let’s take a look into the two instances where Rohit Sharma was part of a Super Over contest for India.
Rohit Sharma Super Over vs New Zealand (2020)
The climax of the match came in the superover, where Rohit Sharma’s heroics were on full display. With India needing 18 runs to win, Rohit, along with KL Rahul, took on Tim Southee, one of New Zealand’s experienced bowlers in such situations. The super over began with drama, as Rohit and Rahul managed only 2 runs from the first ball and nearly got run out. The tension escalated with each ball, but Rohit’s composure under pressure was exemplary.
Rohit managed just a single off the second ball and another off the fourth, leaving India needing 10 runs off the last two deliveries. It was at this moment that Rohit showcased his exceptional skill and calmness under pressure. He smashed back-to-back sixes off the final two deliveries, sealing a memorable victory for India. His ability to read the bowler and execute his shots perfectly turned the game in India’s favor.
Rohit Sharma’s performance in the super over was a testament to his prowess as a top-order batsman and his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations. His two consecutive sixes not only secured the win but also highlighted his mental strength and technical excellence. This victory marked India’s first T20I series win in New Zealand, and Rohit’s contributions were pivotal in achieving this milestone.
India Batting
| Delivery | Outcome | Field Position |
|---|---|---|
| Ball 1: Southee to Rohit | 2 runs | Mid-wicket |
| Ball 2: Southee to Rohit | 1 run | Leg-side |
| Ball 3: Southee to Rahul | 4 runs | Behind square on the leg-side |
| Ball 4: Southee to Rahul | 1 run | Long-on |
| Ball 5: Southee to Rohit | SIX | Deep square leg |
| Ball 6: Southee to Rohit | SIX | Long-off |
Rohit Sharma vs Afghanistan Super Overs (2024)
In the 3rd T20I against Afghanistan on January 17, 2024, Rohit Sharma delivered an outstanding performance that was pivotal to India’s success. The match was played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where India and Afghanistan were tied at 212 runs each in the regular 20 overs, leading to a super over. After the first super over also ended in a tie, India won the second super over to clinch the series 3-0.
Rohit Sharma’s contribution in the regular innings was remarkable. He scored a blistering 121 runs off 69 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes, with a strike rate of 175.36. His innings were crucial in rescuing India from a shaky start and setting a competitive total of 212/4. His partnership with Rinku Singh, who scored an unbeaten 69, played a significant role in stabilizing the innings after a top-order collapse.
In the super overs, Rohit’s performance continued to be influential. During the first super over, he initially scored 12 runs off 2 balls with two sixes and rotated the strike with a single. His aggressive start set a challenging target for Afghanistan, but the super over ended in a tie. In the second super over, Rohit contributed 11 runs off 3 balls, including 2 crucial boundaries. His performance ensured India set a defendable target of 12 runs, which was enough to secure victory.
First Super Over
India Batting
| Delivery | Outcome | Field Position |
|---|---|---|
| Azmatullah Omarzai to Rohit Sharma | 1 leg bye | Short fine leg |
| Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1 run | Short fine leg |
| Azmatullah Omarzai to Rohit Sharma | SIX | Deep mid-wicket |
| Azmatullah Omarzai to Rohit Sharma | SIX | Cover |
| Azmatullah Omarzai to Rohit Sharma | 1 run | Point |
| Azmatullah Omarzai to Yashasvi Jaiswal | 1 run | Keeper |
Second Super Over
India Batting
| Delivery | Outcome | Field Position |
|---|---|---|
| Fareed Ahmad to Rohit Sharma | SIX | Long-off |
| Fareed Ahmad to Rohit Sharma | FOUR | Deep backward point |
| Fareed Ahmad to Rohit Sharma | 1 run | Deep backward point |
| Fareed Ahmad to Rinku Singh | OUT (Caught by Gurbaz) | Outside off stump |
| Fareed Ahmad to Sanju Samson | Runout (Rohit runout by Gurbaz) | Point |
Rohit Sharma’s Super Over Stats in T20Is
| Inns | Score | S/R | Avg | 6s, 4s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 39 (11) | 354.54 | 39 | 5, 1 |
