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Rinku Singh's last-ball six seals thrilling T20I victory for India against Australia

The thrilling last-ball six by Rinku Singh secured India's remarkable victory in a high-scoring contest against Australia in Visakhapatnam

By Omar | Nov 23, 2023 | 3 Min Read

The first T20I between India and Australia witnessed an abundance of excitement, culminating in a nail-biting finish where Rinku Singh remained composed to steer the hosts to victory. India initiated the T20I series against Australia with a thrilling two-wicket triumph on Thursday, marked by intense moments. Boosted by Josh Inglis’ impressive 110, Australia posted a formidable total of 208/3 in 20 overs. Responding to the challenge, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s half-centuries propelled India towards the target. However, both were dismissed, leaving Rinku Singh to guide India over the finish line, requiring seven runs off six balls.

Drama unfolded as India lost the wickets of Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Arshdeep Singh in the last over bowled by Sean Abbott, reducing them to eight down. With one run needed off the final ball, Rinku Singh smashed a massive six to secure India’s victory. However, the six was initially not counted, causing confusion over India’s final score. Subsequently, the umpires ruled the delivery as a no-ball. Since it was a no-ball and India had already obtained the required one run, courtesy of the penalty, the six was not included. India concluded at 209/8 in 19.5 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s stellar performances, each contributing a half-century, propelled India to a thrilling two-wicket win over Australia in the first T20I of the five-match series in Visakhapatnam on Thursday. This remarkable victory marks India’s highest successful T20I run-chase, surpassing their previous record of 208 against West Indies in 2019. With a 1-0 lead in the series, India is off to a strong start.

In the pursuit of 209, India faced an early setback as Yashasvi Jaiswal’s explosive start was cut short by a miscommunication with Ruturaj Gaikwad, resulting in Gaikwad’s run-out for zero. At 11/1 in 0.5 overs, India faced an early hurdle. Despite the loss of Jaiswal, Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav formed a new partnership and revitalized India’s innings. The duo aggressively attacked the Australian bowlers, with Sean Abbott conceding 20 runs in the fifth over, including a four and two sixes.

India reached the 50-run mark in 4.5 overs, and at the end of the powerplay, they were 63/2, with Suryakumar (26) and Ishan (14) at the crease. The ninth over, featuring young spinner Tanveer Sangha, proved pivotal as Ishan showcased his aggressive intent, hitting two sixes and a four. India reached the 100-run mark in 9.1 overs.

Midway through the innings, India stood at 106/2, with both Suryakumar and Ishan unbeaten. Ishan achieved his half-century, the fourth in T20Is, in just 37 balls, featuring two fours and four sixes. However, Sangha dismissed Ishan after a brief attacking display. Ishan departed for 58 off 39 balls, with two fours and five sixes, leaving India at 134/3 in 12.3 overs.

India reached the 150-run mark in 14.2 overs, and despite the loss of Tilak Varma’s wicket to Sangha, caught by Stoinis at extra cover for 12, India remained competitive at 154/4 in 14.5 overs. In a significant turn of events, Suryakumar Yadav skied a knuckleball from Jason Behrendorff, resulting in a catch by Aaron Hardie. Suryakumar’s departure after a splendid innings of 80 off 42 balls, featuring nine fours and four sixes, left India at 194/5 in 17.4 overs.

With Rinku Singh contributing a crucial four, India reached the 200-run mark in 18.5 overs. The thrilling last-ball six by Rinku Singh, albeit not initially counted, secured India’s remarkable victory in a high-scoring contest against Australia.