Visakhapatnam, November 24, 2023 – India opened their T20 series against Australia with a nail-biting two-wicket win, showcasing a stunning display of skill and resilience in a high-scoring encounter at Visakhapatnam on Thursday. However, the match ended in confusion as a last-ball six by Rinku Singh was not counted, leading to confusion over India’s final score.
Australia, thanks to a magnificent century by Josh Inglis (110), posted an imposing total of 208/3 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, India mounted a formidable chase with Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan smashing half-centuries, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.
As the chase progressed, both Yadav and Kishan fell after valuable contributions, leaving the responsibility on Rinku Singh’s shoulders. With India needing seven runs off the final over, drama unfolded as Sean Abbott, the Australian bowler, claimed the wickets of Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, and Arshdeep Singh. With one run required off the last ball, Rinku Singh dispatched the delivery for what appeared to be a match-winning six.
However, the six was not counted as the umpires adjudged the delivery as a no-ball. Since India had already secured the required one run off that ball, they had essentially won the match. Consequently, the six was not added to India’s total, and they finished at 209/8 in 19.5 overs.
This thrilling victory marked India’s highest T20I run-chase, surpassing their previous record of 208 against West Indies in 2019. The win also gave India a 1-0 lead in the series.
India’s chase began with a flourish as Yashasvi Jaiswal hit a boundary and a six in the first over. However, a misunderstanding with Ruturaj Gaikwad led to Gaikwad’s run-out for zero, leaving India at 11/1.
Despite the early setback, Jaiswal continued to attack, but Matthew Short claimed his wicket, sending him back for 21 off just 8 balls.
Ishan Kishan and skipper Suryakumar Yadav then formed a crucial partnership, with both batsmen finding the boundary regularly. India raced to 50 runs in just 4.5 overs.
At the end of the powerplay, India stood at 63/2, with Suryakumar on 26* and Ishan on 14*, laying the foundation for a challenging chase.
Ishan Kishan reached his half-century in 37 balls, hitting two fours and four sixes. However, his dismissal for 58 off 39 balls brought a temporary setback to India.
Suryakumar Yadav carried the innings forward brilliantly, amassing 80 runs off 42 balls, including nine fours and four sixes. His efforts took India to 194/5 in 17.4 overs.
The match took an unexpected turn when Rinku Singh came to the crease and played a pivotal role in the final stages. India reached the 200-run mark in 18.5 overs with a boundary from Singh.
