New Delhi: India lost the second T20I match of the three-match T20I series against South Africa on Tuesday by five wickets in a rain-curtailed match.
With this win, the Proteas have taken an unassailable lead of 1-0, with only a match to go, which will be the last chance for the Men in Blue to draw the series.
Despite the loss, the Indian team still managed to get some positives from the batting’s point of view before a discouraging outing by the bowling department.
Rinku Singh improved his reputation as a finisher with his first half-century, while captain Surya Kumar Yadav performed in his own unique style to lead India to 180 for seven against South Africa.
Rinku and his glass-shattering shot
Rinku had some time to get used to playing in South Africa before he played a fantastic game. Throughout his well-paced innings, he struck two sixes and four fours against Aiden Markram, making his square-of-the-wicket shots stand out.
Rinku took on the opposition skipper in his crosshair during the 19th over of the game and struck two back-to-back sixes in the last two balls of the over.
He put so much power behind his shots that during one of his aerial attacks, he hit the media box cricket with its protective glass.
Check out the video below:
#AidenMarkram brought himself on in the penultimate over, and #RinkuSingh made him pay with back-to-back maximums 🔥
Rinku has brought his A-game to South Africa!
Tune-in to the 2nd #SAvIND T20I
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/HiibVjyuZH— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 12, 2023
The effects of Rinku’s power were visible on the media box after that six.
That Rinku SIX just landed in the media box. pic.twitter.com/fwAXKUUvD1
— Rajal Arora (@RajalArora) December 12, 2023
Rinku with an apology
Rinku Singh, after the finish of the innings, got to know about the aftermath of his powerful hit, and being the gentle guy he is he apologized for the damage he caused during the after-match interview.
Check out the video below:
Maiden international FIFTY 👌
Chat with captain @surya_14kumar 💬
… and that glass-breaking SIX 😉@rinkusingh235 sums up his thoughts post the 2⃣nd #SAvIND T20I 🎥🔽 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Ee8GY7eObW— BCCI (@BCCI) December 13, 2023
Rinku Singh a new hope
Rinku Singh has breathed new life into T20 batting ever since he made headlines in the IPL with those five consecutive sixes against Gujarat Titans.
Lord Rinku Singh 🙏🙏🙏 5 consecutive sixes to win it for KKR.pic.twitter.com/JsdvOH5SF8
— abhay 𝕩 (@flyhigh__0) April 10, 2023
It has often been demonstrated by the left-handed middle-order hitter that he is not afraid to take big pitches from well-known players.
India 🇮🇳 vs Australia 🇦🇺 2nd T20#IndiaVsAustralia #INDvsAUS #HardikPandya #IPLretention #TATAIPL #IPL2024 #MSDhoni𓃵 #WhistlePodu #INDvAUS #YashasviJaiswal #RinkuSingh
Rinku singh on fire…31(9).🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/PY8JWqjqrH
— Saurav (SG) (@oye_sg) November 26, 2023
A lot will be riding on Rinku Singh’s success, since the 2024 T20 World Cup is in June, less than six months away. Also, the administration of the Indian cricket team would be extremely pleased with Rinku Singh’s precarious situation.
