Former India pacer Zaheer Khan has referred to Ravi Bishnoi being given the second Super Over in the third T20I between India and Afghanistan as a ‘smart and brave decision’ as well. The final T20I in Bengaluru on Wednesday (January 17) saw two Super Overs after both sides scored 212 runs in their allotted overs. The first Super Over also ended in a tie before Ravi Bishnoi won the game for India by defending 11 runs in the second Super Over as well.

During a discussion on Colors Cineplex, Zaheer said: “I believe it was a smart and brave decision because you don’t have that much time in these situations. You have to back your instincts and thinking. So whoever was part of that think-tank, you need to praise them for sure. The second Super Over started very well, (India) started with a six. So it seemed like India would bat Afghanistan out, but that didn’t happen. They lost two wickets and didn’t even play the entire six balls.”

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However, Zaheer Khan further added that defending 11 runs was a tough ask for any bowler as well. He added: “After that, you had to take a big decision, about who would bowl. So that decision was taken very well because batters generally score 12 runs easily as the bowler makes mistakes due to the pressure on him.”

Rohit Sharma scored 11 runs off the first three balls of the second Super Over before India lost two wickets in two deliveries. And, they chose Ravi Bishnoi between Bishnoi and Avesh Khan as their bowling option, and they young leg-spinner did the job. However, Zaheer Khan also applauded Ravi Bishnoi for bowling a match-winning knock over under pressure.

“Ravi Bishnoi came there and the way he started and picked up two wickets, you need to praise him as well, because he was bowling under pressure in a Super Over. He was oozing confidence. He was looking extremely calm. So that was one very good thing and secondly, the entire think-tank for taking that decision,” Zaheer Khan concluded.