LSG Coach Andy Flower Applauds Rinku Singh's Stunning Knock Vs KKR
Rinku Singh has left everyone in awe with his finishing skills in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) head coach, Andy Flower, showered praise upon Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) batter Rinku Singh, commending his extraordinary performance that almost led his team to victory in a thrilling encounter at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday. Flower remarked that Rinku played with sheer determination and showcased remarkable hunger for success, all while maintaining a humble demeanour.
The KKR versus LSG contest proved to be a nail-biting affair, with the latter emerging victorious by a slender margin of one run. However, the game would not have witnessed such exhilarating moments if it weren't for the exceptional display of skills by Rinku who stole the limelight with his explosive strokeplay.
Reflecting upon the same, Flower expressed his admiration for Rinku, emphasising how the batter pushed himself to the limits to bring his team agonisingly close to victory. He lauded the southpaw’s sublime batting, describing it as a beautiful and brilliant display.
"Rinku played out of his skin again to get them that close. And it was a matter of not making the obvious error in those last few overs. He batted beautifully, he batted brilliantly," said Flower in the post-match press conference.
The LSG coach went on to acknowledge that his team failed to execute their plans effectively in the final few overs. He also recognized the challenging task shouldered by LSG bowlers Naveen-ul-Haq and Yash Thakur, who were entrusted with the responsibility of bowling multiple overs in a demanding situation.
“We didn't quite hit our straps at the end. But then Naveen and Yash were doing quite a tough job bowling multiple overs," added the Zimbabwean.
Coming to the game, Rinku arrived at the when KKR found themselves in a precarious position at 82/3 after 10 overs while chasing a target of 177. The dynamic batter displayed caution early on, taking his time to settle in. However, he was granted a lifeline when Ravi Bishnoi dropped a catch and almost made them pay.
Throughout his innings, the 25-year-old showcased his versatility by scoring runs across the pitch, almost jeopardising LSG's chances of victory. He reached his half-century in a breathtaking fashion, smashing Naveen-ul-Haq for three consecutive boundaries and a massive six that sailed 110 meters.
The Afghan speedster, who had previously maintained a tidy spell of 0 for 26 in three overs, was unable to contain Rinku's onslaught and finished with figures of 0 for 46.
Despite the heroics, Rinku fell short of finishing the job as KKR required 21 runs off the final over, ultimately falling agonisingly short by just one run. The swashbuckling batter concluded his innings unbeaten on 67 off 33 balls, boasting an impressive strike rate of 203. His innings comprised four towering sixes and six elegant boundaries.
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