‘We’ve finally found a worthy replacement for MSD’ – Fans react as India beat Australia in the 1st T20I in a last ball thriller
Just days after their ODI World Cup final defeat, Team India, led by the newly appointed captain Surya Kumar Yadav, showcased resilience and determination in the first T20I against Australia on November 23rd, 2023. The match played with a noticeably different Indian lineup, marked a significant moment in T20I history as India successfully chased down their highest total in this format.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Surya Kumar Yadav’s decision put the Indian bowlers to the test against a revamped Australian lineup, which saw Steve Smith opening the innings. Despite early success for India with spinner Ravi Bishnoi dismissing Matt Short, Australia’s Josh Inglis stole the show with a breathtaking century, scoring 110 runs off just 50 balls.
Australia concluded their innings with a formidable 208 runs on the board, setting the stage for a challenging run chase by India. The Indian top order, featuring five left-handers in the top seven, faced an early setback as Ruturaj Gaikwad fell victim to a run-out in a regrettable mistake.
However, another opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ishan Kishan launched a counter-attack, with Jaiswal contributing two fours and two sixes in his brisk 21-run innings only to get out caught. Captain Surya Kumar Yadav joined Ishan Kishan, and together they orchestrated a brilliant recovery, both notching up half-centuries in the process.
Rinku Singh’s heroics seal a historic T20I win for India against Australia!
Ishan Kishan’s aggressive 58 off 39 balls, featuring five towering sixes and two boundaries, set the stage for a memorable partnership. Despite two quick wickets of Tilak Verma and Ishan Kishan, Surya Kumar Yadav continued the onslaught, scoring an impressive 80 off 42 balls, only to get out when India needed only 15 runs off 15 balls.
Rinku Singh, making his mark on the international stage, showcased his finishing prowess, scoring an unbeaten 28 off 14 balls. The last over added a touch of drama as India lost three consecutive wickets, but Rinku Singh held his nerve, finishing the match in style with a six on the last ball.
India’s successful chase of 208 runs marked a historic moment, with Surya Kumar Yadav being awarded the Player of the Match in his very first match as captain. The thrilling encounter, filled with standout performances, affirmed India’s T20I prowess and set the tone for an exciting series against Australia.
See how fans have reacted:
Rinku the boss🔥🔥
— Manu (@virat_facts) November 23, 2023
Rinku Singh the finisher has done this again 🔥🔥
— Syed Irfan Ahmad (@Iam_SyedIrfan) November 23, 2023
RINKU SINGH, Remember the Name!!!🔥🔥🔥
— Tushar N. (@Tussh_aar) November 23, 2023
Rinku Singh is here to rule 🔥 pic.twitter.com/iB0ZHG8J9M
— Syed Irfan Ahmad (@Iam_SyedIrfan) November 23, 2023
To hit that last for a six required some nerves 🔥🔥🔥🔥
— umair khan (@ksz399) November 23, 2023
Finally found our replacement for dhoni as finisher
— NO CONTEXT VIBE (@No_Context_Vibe) November 23, 2023
Raja Rinku Singh 🔥 pic.twitter.com/tUtlNeSB24
— A K $ H A Y (@Akshay_Patil_07) November 23, 2023
That was a no ball from Abbott. So that six won’t count for Rinku Singh. So disappointing.
— Prantik (@Pran__07) November 23, 2023
