India beat Australia by just two wickets in a thrilling first T20I in Visakhapatnam on Thursday, November 23. This victory gave the home team a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
In pursuit of 209, team captain Suryakumar Yadav shined, producing 80 runs in just 42 balls. His score included four sixes and nine boundaries. Ishan Kishan was a strong supporter, contributing 58 runs in 39 deliveries, including five sixes two fours. Together, they formed a 112-run partnership, boosting the Men in Blue from a precarious 22/2.
Rinku Singh put the finishing touches on the game, collecting 22 points on 14 attempts, including four goals. When the scores were tied, the left-handed hitter smacked a six off the final delivery, but it turned out to be a no-ball, allowing the hosts to win the game.
Australia had earlier reached 208/3 in their allotted 20 overs. Josh Inglis scored 110 from 50 balls, including eight sixes and 11 boundaries. Steve Smith contributed 52 off 41 balls, including eight boundaries.
After the victory, the team seemed relieved. They had just pulled themselves together after a tough loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final.
Watch the video below:
Suryakumar Yadav lauds Rinku Singh’s performance in India’s thrilling win over Australia
Suryakumar Yadav was overjoyed to see his squad set 200+ objectives in his debut game as captain. Following India’s victory, the captain praised Rinku Singh for his finishing skills.
During the post-match broadcast, he stated:
“Was great to see Rinku, the situation was tailor-made for him. He was calm and collected, calmed me down a little bit. Incredible achievement from the bowlers to restrict them to this total after the 16th over.”
Suryakumar Yadav
He added:
“Very happy with the way the boys played. Was very happy with their energy, we were put under pressure, but the way everyone showed up was amazing. It’s a proud moment, very proud moment, every time you play, you think about representing India, but coming out here and captaining India is a big moment.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav and company will play Australia in the second T20I on Sunday, November 26 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.