Table of Contents
Team India emerged victorious in a thrilling T20I encounter against Australia, securing a two-wicket win in a high-scoring match on Thursday. The game was marked by exceptional performances, with Josh Inglis scoring a remarkable 110, propelling Australia to a formidable total of 208/3 in 20 overs.
Rinku Singh’s heroics in the final over
As India chased the imposing target, Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan‘s half-centuries set the stage for a dramatic finish. With both batters dismissed, the responsibility fell on Rinku Singh to guide India to victory. Requiring seven runs off six balls, Rinku played a crucial role in narrowing the gap.
Drama unfolds in the final moments
Rinku’s innings featured a pivotal moment in the final over. After hitting a four off the first ball, the tension heightened. However, a twist of events followed, with a caught-out dismissal of Axar Patel and a run-out of Ravi Bishnoi, keeping the match on a knife’s edge.
The controversial last-ball six
With one run needed off the last ball, Rinku smashed a six over long on, seemingly sealing the win for India. However, the celebration was short-lived as the third umpire intervened, confirming that Sean Abbott had overstepped, resulting in a no-ball.
Also READ: Twitter reactions – Suryakumar Yadav, Rinku Singh shine in India’s record chase in T20I – IND vs AUS
ICC playing conditions determine the outcome
The disappointment for Rinku stemmed from the ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions (16.5.1), stating that once a result is achieved, the match concludes. Consequently, Rinku’s six, though impressive, did not contribute to India’s total or his personal scoresheet, as the no-ball had already determined the match’s outcome.
The ifs and buts
Interestingly, had India required more than one run to win, Rinku’s six would have been counted, potentially altering the outcome. In such a scenario, Abbott’s no-ball would, at best, have tied the scores, keeping the match alive for a thrilling finish.
While Team India celebrated a hard-fought victory, Rinku’s last-ball six, though visually spectacular, became a footnote due to the technicalities of the game’s rules. The T20I series opener will be remembered not only for the on-field heroics but also for the unique turn of events in the final over.
