Rinku Singh Last-Ball Six: The Dramatic Moment That Wasn’t Counted
In a thrilling encounter between India and Australia in the first T20I, Rinku Singh played a crucial role in guiding Team India to a two-wicket victory. The match was filled with exceptional performances and nail-biting moments, but it was Rinku’s last-ball six that stole the spotlight. However, despite the excitement it generated, the six was not officially counted. In this article, we will delve into the details of Rinku Singh’s heroics, the controversy surrounding his last-ball six, and the ICC playing conditions that determined the outcome.
On Thursday, in the opening Twenty20 International match at Visakhapatnam, Suryakumar Yadav guided India to a two-wicket victory over Australia. In a thrilling match, India lost three wickets in the last over while chasing a total of 209: Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Arshdeep Singh.
The hosts needed one run off the last ball with the game hanging in the balance. Rinku Singh was on strike against Sean Abbott with a 22-run bat.
As it happened, Indian fans let out a yell of joy as Rinku slammed Abbott’s ball over long on for a maximum. Abbott overstepped, though, and the umpire called a no ball at that point.
Rinku Singh’s Heroics in the Final Over
As Team India embarked on a daunting chase of Australia’s imposing total of 208/3 in 20 overs, the stage was set for a thrilling finish. Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan’s half-centuries provided a solid foundation for the team. However, with both batsmen dismissed, the responsibility fell on Rinku Singh’s shoulders to guide India to victory. With seven runs required off six balls, Rinku played a crucial role in narrowing the gap and keeping the hopes alive for the Indian team.
Drama Unfolds in the Final Moments
The final over of the match witnessed a series of dramatic events that heightened the tension on the field. Rinku Singh started off the over with a boundary off the first ball, bringing the equation down to just three runs required off five balls. However, the game took a sudden turn as Axar Patel was caught out, followed by a run-out of Ravi Bishnoi. With each passing delivery, the match hung in the balance, and the outcome became uncertain.
The Controversial Last-Ball Six
With one run needed off the last ball, Rinku Singh unleashed a powerful shot over the long on fence, seemingly sealing the victory for India. The crowd erupted in celebration, and the players rushed onto the field. However, the jubilation was short-lived as the third umpire intervened and confirmed that Sean Abbott had overstepped, resulting in a no-ball. This meant that the six hit by Rinku Singh would not be counted towards India’s total or his personal scoresheet.
“As soon as a result is reached as defined in clauses 16.1, 16.2 or 16.3.1, the match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter…shall be regarded as part of it.” – ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions 16.5.1
ICC Playing Conditions Determine the Outcome
The disappointment for Rinku Singh and the Indian team stemmed from the ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions. According to these rules, once a result is achieved, the match concludes, and any subsequent events, except penalty runs, are not considered part of the match. Therefore, Rinku’s powerful six, although visually spectacular, 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 Singh’s last-ball six would have been counted. In such a scenario, Abbott’s no-ball would have, at best, tied the scores, leaving the match open for a thrilling finish. However, in the case of India needing just a single run, the no-ball had already secured the victory, rendering Rinku’s six irrelevant in terms of the match result.
Team India Emerges Victorious
Despite the controversy surrounding Rinku Singh’s last-ball six, it did not affect the final result of the match. With the single run needed to win already achieved through the no-ball, India emerged victorious with a dramatic two-wicket win over Australia. This victory marked a significant milestone for Team India, as their successful chase of 209 runs became their highest in T20I history.
Conclusion
The first T20I between India and Australia witnessed a thrilling finish, with Rinku Singh’s last-ball six generating immense excitement. However, due to a no-ball by Sean Abbott, the six was not officially counted. While this may have dampened the celebration for Rinku Singh, it did not alter the outcome of the match. The ICC playing conditions clearly define the rules, and in this case, they determined that the match had already been decided before Rinku’s powerful shot cleared the boundary. Nevertheless, Rinku’s contribution to India’s victory will be remembered, and his innings will serve as an inspiration for future encounters.
