Rohit Sharma’s 5th T20I Century and Two Super Overs: India’s Last Bengaluru Thriller
India are preparing for a high-stakes T20I series decider against West Indies at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Ahead of the crucial clash, memories have returned to India’s last T20I at the venue, when Rohit Sharma produced a stunning century against Afghanistan in a match that required two Super Overs to determine the winner.
India eventually prevailed in one of the most dramatic T20I encounters in recent memory. With the five-match series against West Indies now level at 2-2, fans will hope Bengaluru delivers another unforgettable night of cricket.
India vs Afghanistan: What Happened in Bengaluru in 2024?
India last played a T20 international at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on January 17, 2024, in the third T20I against Afghanistan.
After losing four wickets for just 22 runs, India appeared to be in serious trouble. Rohit Sharma, however, produced a remarkable recovery alongside Rinku Singh, rebuilding the innings and taking the attack to Afghanistan’s bowlers.
Rohit finished unbeaten on 121 from 69 deliveries, while Rinku scored an unbeaten 69 off 39 balls. Their fifth-wicket partnership of 190 runs helped India recover to 212/4 in 20 overs.
Afghanistan matched India’s total, forcing the match into a Super Over. The first Super Over also ended in a tie, making a second one necessary to decide the contest.
Rohit Sharma Creates History With His Fifth T20I Century
Rohit’s unbeaten 121 was the standout performance of the match. It made him the first batter to score five centuries in men’s T20 internationals at that time.
His innings combined patience with aggressive stroke play. After India’s early collapse, he rebuilt the innings before accelerating during the latter stages, helping the hosts post a competitive total.
The knock also demonstrated Rohit’s ability to perform under pressure. Rather than allowing the early wickets to dictate the innings, he built a match-changing partnership with Rinku and kept India in contention.
Two Super Overs Make the Match Unforgettable
Afghanistan fought back strongly during their chase and finished level with India, sending the match into a Super Over.
The first Super Over could not separate the teams either. India then needed another six-ball contest to secure victory.
Rohit played a decisive role in the second Super Over, hitting two successive sixes off Azmatullah Omarzai. India eventually won the contest, completing a dramatic victory after a match that had swung repeatedly between the two sides.
The encounter remains memorable for its unusual finish, Rohit’s historic century and India’s recovery from a difficult start.
India vs West Indies: Series Decider in Bengaluru
India’s upcoming meeting with West Indies carries similar pressure, although the circumstances are different.
West Indies levelled the five-match series at 2-2 after beating India by 24 runs in the fourth T20I in Hyderabad on October 14. Captain Shai Hope scored an unbeaten 102 off 50 balls as West Indies posted 247/3.
India responded with 223 all out in 19.3 overs. Sanju Samson scored 56, while Tilak Varma and Nitish Kumar Reddy attempted to revive the chase with a 70-run partnership. West Indies ultimately secured the win and forced a series decider.
The fifth T20I is scheduled for October 17, 2026, at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, with the match set to begin at 7 pm IST.
What India Must Improve Before the Decider
India will need a more disciplined bowling performance after conceding 247 runs in Hyderabad. Better execution of lengths, control during the powerplay and tighter death bowling could prove crucial against a powerful West Indies batting line-up.
The batting unit also needs to maintain its aggressive approach while avoiding a collapse that leaves too much work for the middle order. Partnerships will be particularly important if West Indies post another imposing total.
Playing at Bengaluru provides an opportunity for both teams to finish the series strongly. However, the outcome will depend on execution rather than the venue’s history alone.
Will Bengaluru Produce Another T20I Classic?
The 2024 Afghanistan match established Bengaluru as the setting for one of India’s most dramatic T20I finishes. Rohit’s century, Rinku’s supporting innings and the two Super Overs created a contest that fans still remember.
The upcoming series decider offers a fresh opportunity for India and West Indies to produce another memorable encounter. With the series tied at 2-2, both teams have everything to play for.
Conclusion
India’s last T20I in Bengaluru delivered a historic Rohit Sharma century and a rare double-Super-Over finish against Afghanistan. India recovered from 22/4, posted 212/4 and eventually secured victory after two additional contests.
As India face West Indies in the fifth T20I on October 17, the focus will be on whether the hosts can deliver another strong performance and win the series at the Chinnaswamy Stadium.