India skipper Rohit on Rinku Singh’s form: Augurs well for team going forward

After two Super Overs and an Indian victory against Afghanistan in the third Twenty20 International, middle-order batsman Rinku Singh was praised by captain Rohit Sharma for “coming off age” and knowing his skills. Men in Blue defeated a determined Afghan side in the second over at Bengaluru, despite half-centuries by Rahmanullah Gurbaz, skipper Ibrahim Zadran, and Gulbadin Naib, as well as a record-breaking sixth T20I century by Rohit. “I do not remember when was the last time this happened,” Rohit remarked after the game regarding batting during the match and both Super Overs. In one of the IPL games, I believe I batted three times.”

Rinku has scored 356 runs at an average of 89.00 and a strike rate of over 176 in 15 games and 11 innings of Twenty20 Internationals for India. He has also made two half-centuries. He has been creating a reputation for himself as a finisher for Men in Blue. India chose to bat first as the game started, however they were reduced to 22/4. After that, India reached 212/4 in 20 overs thanks to innings of 121* from Rohit (69 balls, 11 fours, and 8 sixes) and 69* from Rinku (39 balls, 2 fours, and 6 sixes). For Afghanistan, Fareed Ahmed (3/20) was the most effective bowler. In the run chase, Gurbaz (50 in 32 balls with three fours and four sixes) and Zadran (50 in 41 balls, with four boundaries and a six) gave Afghanistan a fine start with a 93-run opening stand.

Then, Naib (55* in 23 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes) joined forces with Mohammed Nabi (34 in 16 balls, with two fours and three sixes) to help Afghanistan tie the match. Washington Sundar (3/18) was India’s top bowler. The first Super Over ended in a tie, with both sides scoring 16 runs each. A notable moment in the game saw Rohit walking away retired hurt and having Rinku walk on the crease to be with Yashasvi Jaiswal at the final ball, needing two runs. Only one run could be made. In the second super over, Rohit hit a four and six but India lost both their wickets with a ball to go, giving Afghanistan 12 runs to make. But Ravi Bishnoi delivering this Super Over got Nabi and Gurbaz within the first three balls, with just one run on the board.

India won the match and series 3-0. Rohit walked away with the ‘Player of the Match’ award while Shivam Dube (124 runs with two fifties and two wickets) got the Player of the Series’ honour.