VISAKHAPATNAM – In a gripping encounter at Visakhapatnam, India’s first T20I against Australia concluded with a dramatic finish. After a stellar performance from Australia, posting 208/3 in 20 overs, India needed 7 off the last over. Rinku Singh’s match-winning six on the last ball, however, won’t be counted by the ICC. Here’s why:
Australia’s strong score was propelled by Josh Inglis’ outstanding 110 off 50 balls. In response, India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan played crucial innings. However, the game took a turn when the Aussies made a comeback, tightening the match in the penultimate over.
With 7 needed off the last over, Rinku Singh took charge. After hitting a crucial four, the game saw a run-out and a wicket, leaving India needing 1 off the last ball.
Rinku Singh sealed the match with a six over long-on. However, the excitement was short-lived as it was revealed that Sean Abbott had overstepped, resulting in a no-ball.
According to ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions 16.5.1, once a result is reached, nothing that happens thereafter shall be regarded as part of the match. Rinku’s six, though visually impressive, won’t count in the score as India had already won when the no-ball was confirmed.
While the six didn’t affect the match result, it did impact Rinku Singh’s individual score. Had it been counted, he would have finished with 28 off 14 balls instead of 22.
Despite the technicality, India’s 209-run chase became their highest in T20I history. This victory marked India’s 5th successful chase of 200+ runs, a record in T20Is.
In an exhilarating finish, India took a 1-0 lead in the series, showcasing their prowess in high-stakes T20 cricket.
