Indian skipper Rohit Sharma revealed why he made off-spinner R Ashwin bowl the 18th over in the T20 World Cup 2022 clash against South Africa in Perth. He said that given the track record of spinners in the last over, he wanted to finish his overs early.
India suffers a disappointing loss against South Africa in T20 World Cup 2022
In what a fiery pitch to play, India suffered a disappointing 5-wicket loss against South Africa in Perth. Indian batters struggled to get going as only Suryakumar Yadav managed to get 68 runs whereas others failed to cross over 15 run-mark.
On account of his gritty half-century, India posted a moderate total of 133 runs on the board. They then started the second innings on a very high note as Arshdeep Singh took two wickets in the second over and then Mohammad Shami too chipped into left South Africa tottering at 24/3.
But after that, it was the duo of Aiden Markram (52) and David Miller (59*) played exceptionally well and took their side home from the jaws of defeat. Although they got few lives as well but they made sure that their side ended on a finishing note.
After R Ashwin was taken for 17 runs in the 14th over, skipper Rohit Sharma brought Arshdeep Singh back into the attack and finished his overs, leaving one over of R Ashwin for the back end.
Mohammad Shami has bowled beautifully in Jasprit Bumrah's absence. He was the most economical bowler of the match, a classic return to this format by Shami!
Advertisement— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 30, 2022
While many expected R Ashwin to bowl the last over, skipper Rohit surprised many when he handed the ball to the off-spinner in the 18th over. Although he conceded 13 runs in the over but he took the wicket of Tristan Stubbs. But that was not enough as Miller then finished the game with 2 balls to spare.
Rohit Sharma reveals why he gave 18th over R Ashwin against South Africa
After the match concluded, skipper Rohit Sharma was asked about why he gave R Ashwin the 18th over. Replying to this, he said they he has seen what happened to spinners in the last over so he didn’t want to take chance and go the other way.
Here’s the video:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkXlKPurcKP/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
