On This Day In 2020: Rohit Sharma's Super Over Blitz Helps India Seal T20I Series In New Zealand

On This Day In 2020 Cricket: Just before COVID-19 brought the cricketing world to a standstill, India toured New Zealand for an all-format series in early 2020, starting with an exciting T20I series. The tour served as preparation for the T20 World Cup scheduled later in Australia.

India began the series with consecutive wins in Auckland, before moving to Hamilton for a thrilling third T20I. Both teams scored 179 – 179/5 for India and 179/6 for New Zealand – pushing the match into a Super Over.

The Super Over Drama

New Zealand initially appeared in control, removing Jasprit Bumrah for 17 runs. Bumrah, still returning from a back injury, struggled with his yorkers and slower deliveries, allowing Kane Williamson to score a four and a six.

Rohit Sharma, alongside KL Rahul,

took on Tim Southee in India’s chase. Needing 18 from the final over, Rohit had already scored a brilliant 65 off 40 balls. He readjusted his stance, converting a yorker into a half-volley for a boundary.

With 4 needed off the last ball, he smashed a full-pitched delivery over long-off for a sensational six.

Despite the tie, Rohit’s last-ball heroics ensured India sealed the series 3-0. Virat Kohli’s side later completed a remarkable 5-0 whitewash, with contributions from Mohammad Shami, who conceded just 8 runs in the 20th over of New Zealand’s chase.