New Zealand vs India 2020: Rohit Sharma Revels In Hamilton Super Over

In what proved to be a highly entertaining night at the Seddon Park in Hamilton in the third T20I, India clinched the five-match T20 series through the super over eliminator. The Kiwis, led by Kane Williamson, came the closest to beating India so far in the leg. But, in yet another cruel blow to the hosts in a super over contest, Rohit Sharma became the difference this time.

The Black Caps came up inches short. It was a night for the hosts in which none other than Williamson looked comfortable with the bat.

Also Read: New Zealand vs India 2020: Rohit Was Superb For Us, Says Virat Kohli After Hamilton Win

Earlier, it was the Kiwis who chose to chase in a do-or-die game after winning the toss.

India raced away to 69 for no loss in the powerplay, mainly due to Sharma’s pyrotechnics off Hamish Bennett. The tourists suffered a slight loss of momentum after they lost three wickets.

However, they recovered well enough to post 179 on the board with Sharma top-scoring with 65.

New Zealand vs India 2020: Rohit Sharma, Hamilton and ‘Hitman’:

In pursuit of 180, New Zealand also got off to a strong start. But skipper Williamson was the only one keeping India at bay while the other batters struggled to keep going.

The match came down to nine needing off the last over for the Black Caps. Unfortunately, all they could manage is eight runs, losing a couple of wickets to go with, leaving it to the super over to decide the result.

Yet, the Kiwis still stood a chance, having scored 17 runs and conceding only three runs off two balls. But the next four deliveries went for 17 runs, including a final ball six hit by Sharma off Tim Southee to clinch a thrilling victory for India.

For his priceless contribution with the willow throughout the game, Rohit Sharma received the Man of the Match award.

Rohit Sharma disappointed to not carry on for long in the first innings:

On receiving the award for being the Player of the Match, ace opening batsman Sharma conceded that he had never played a super over before this match, and hence didn’t know how to approach the innings.

New Zealand vs India 2020: Rohit Sharma relishes Hamilton Super Over –

Rohit also rued his dismissal in the first innings, having perished to all but loose shot and said that he wanted to carry on for a little while longer.

“Never batted in a Super Over before. Didn’t know what to expect, whether to go from the first ball or take a single and see what I can do. It was a good performance, although I’m a little disappointed with the way I got out, I wanted to carry on for a while longer. We knew that if we won this game, we would win this series. It was important for the important members of the side to step up today.” Rohit said in the post-match presentation.

The two sides move on to Wellington for the fourth T20I. New Zealand will look to gain some form before the Test and ODI series while the Men in Blue have the opportunity to test their bench strength.

Also Read: Jimmy Neesham Posts Hilarious Tweet Before Deleting It As Super Over Comes Back To Haunt New Zealand