Why Rinku Singh's Match-Winning Six Against Australia Won't Get Counted?

image-lpc4y66nRinku Singh scored an unbeaten 22 off 14 balls in Vizag (AP Photo)

Rinku Singh once again showcased his talent and promise as an end-overs hitter for India in T20Is with a scintillating finish against Australia in the opening game of the five-match series in Visakhapatnam on Sunday (November 23). 

The death-overs aggressor was in his element under the pressure of another stiff run-chase and came out triumphant with an unbeaten 22 off 14 deliveries, including four fours and a six to finish off the proceedings with 1 required off the last ball. 

However, the match-winning six hit by Rinku Singh that got the crowd on its feet and the nation cheering amidst the continuous sombre and the disappointment of the World Cup 2023 final defeat wasn't counted in official scorebooks by the International Cricket Council (ICC). 


Why Rinku Singh's Maximum Wasn't Counted? 

Even as Rinku made a heroic gesture towards the crowd and the Indian dressing following the winning six, he would've realised later that the maximum did not count in his tally for the innings, which would've otherwise ended with him on 27 not out, instead of 22 off 14 balls. 

Amidst the frenzy and the excitement of the Indian win, very few cared to notice that the victory had been completed even before Rinku dispatched Australian seamer Sean Abbott for a terrific six down the ground. 

The win had been secured before the six since Abbott had bowled a no-ball, which gave India the solitary run they required well before their end-overs maverick hammered a full-pitched delivery from the Australian right-arm quick for a six over long-on region. 

According to the ICC regulations, when a single run is required by the chasing side, the no-ball or the wide occurring before runs secured by the batting side via running or hitting the ball are counted towards the win. The rule denied Rinku six runs in his kitty, but the player would've been more than happy to propel India through with his knock.