On Thursday, in the opening Twenty20 International of the three-match series, India defeated Australia in Vizag by 209 runs in a thrilling finale thanks to a storming half-century from Suryakumar Yadav and a pivotal cameo from Rinku Singh.
In last over, after Bishnoi was run out, India required two from two balls. Calm Rinku Singh then produced a leg-side blow on a back of the length delivery.
But Arshdeep Singh was out while trying to make a second run, leaving India down eight with one ball remaining to win. As composed as ever, Rinku Singh struck a six off the last ball to give India a thrilling victory. In the end, the six didn’t matter because the last delivery proved to be a no-ball, and India won thanks to the additional run.
“It was good that we won the match,” Rinku Singh told JioCinema after the match.
Assistant Coach of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Abhishek Nayar who is also in the commentary panel of host broadcasters explained the journey of Rinku Singh. “It has been a journey of 5-6 years of Rinku Singh,” Nayar said.
Humble Rinku Singh was quick to reply: “It was tough for me when I started playing for KKR. When I got the chance in 2018, I wasn’t able to convert it. If it had been a different IPL team, they would have ousted me. KKR has backed me a lot and I have worked hard with sir (Abhishek Nayar).”
The host Anant Tyagi then jokingly said: “Beware Rinku Singh, because we got both Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Gujarat Titans (GT) scouts in the panel with us.”
Ashish Nehra, the head coach of GT replied: “Now he doesn’t need any scouts. He has arrived where he should be (on the big stage). When you come in this circle, then all other people just watch you from outside. No matter what scout, KKR will not leave you. I really want them to retain you, but If they don’t, then the remaining 9 teams will not leave you in the IPL Auction.”
Rinku Singh always high on confidence
Talking about playing such a crunch innings, Rinku Singh said: “I am used to batting at this position [number 6], I played at this position during the last year’s IPL as well and I backed myself to do here. I back myself alot”
Rinku further added: “I was confident that I could finish & won the match for my team”
In men’s T20I matches, India had never pursued a greater goal. The previous record was set in Hyderabad in 2019 when India managed to chase down 208 with more than an over remaining thanks to Virat Kohli’s undefeated 94.
In men’s T20Is, this marked India’s fifth successful run-chase of a target higher than 200.
Thiruvananthapuram will host the series’ second Twenty20 International on Sunday.
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