On Thursday, November 23, there was an odd event toward the finish of the first T20I of the five-match series between India and Australia in Visakhapatnam. Rinku Singh sent Australian bowler Sean Abbott into the stands at long-on with India needing one run off the penultimate ball. However, because the bowler overstepped, the runs were not added to the batter’s total.
Rinku Singh, who was batting on 22, remained undefeated on 22 as the one run gained to Team India’s total by Abbott’s no ball was enough to push them above Australia’s total.
Anything beyond that is irrelevant in terms of runs. If the Men in Blue needed two runs to win and Rinku Singh hit a six, the strike would have counted. In this case, a no-ball would have tied the game, and the six would have been the winning hit.
According to ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions 16.5.1:
“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, except as in clause 41.17.2 (Penalty runs), shall be regarded as part of it.
“If a boundary is scored before the batters have completed sufficient runs to win the match, the whole of the boundary allowance shall be credited to the side’s total and, in the case of a hit by the bat, to the striker’s score,” the rule states.
In his cameo, Rinku Singh struck four fours as India pursued 209 with two wickets in hand.
“It was a tailor-made situation for Rinku” – Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav
At the post-match presentation following India’s victory, skipper Suryakumar Yadav commended Rinku Singh for being calm under pressure.
“The way the boys kept their nerve was great to see. It was a tailor-made situation for Rinku. His composure relaxed me also.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar was named Player of the Match after scoring 80 points from 42 balls. In response to his great knock, he stated:
“I left the (captaincy) luggage in the dressing room. I just tried to enjoy my batting, whether I am batting 10 or 40 balls.”
Suryakumar Yadav
The second Twenty20 International of the five-match series will be contested on Sunday, November 26 at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram.