In the 18th over of India’s run chase of 209 against Australia, Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal left them needing 15 runs from 14 balls. Initially expected to secure victory comfortably, the pressure mounted as Australia tightened their grip.
Axar Patel’s stumble and runouts in the final over extended the game to the last ball. Rinku Singh ultimately secured victory with a six against Sean Abbott, although the run wasn’t added to his score due to Abbott’s overstep no ball.
Abbott’s mistake cost Rinku the legitimate six, as the overstepped delivery was hit for a six by Rinku. Despite this, India would have won even if Rinku hadn’t scored the final run. Rinku finished unbeaten with 22 off 14 balls, and if not for the no ball, his score would have been 28 from the same number of deliveries.
Earlier, Rinku alleviated dot ball pressure by hitting Nathan Ellis for a boundary in the penultimate over. As Axar Patel struggled, he secured the strike for himself in the final over with a single.
Needing seven runs off the last over against Abbott, Rinku began with a boundary, easing nerves. Despite a missed second ball, Rinku managed a single via byes. Patel’s attempt at a glory shot ended in a catch, and Ravi Bishnoi fell short of the crease.
With two runs required off the last two balls, Rinku secured a single off the penultimate delivery, and on the final ball, he smashed Abbott’s pitched-up delivery over long-on for a six.
India won the first T20I by two wickets, marking their highest successful T20I run chase against Australia. The second T20I is scheduled for November 6 at Greenfield International Stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.
