In Visakhapatnam, India showcased resilience and skill, clinching a remarkable victory against Australia in the first match of the 5-game T20 series. The gripping encounter unfolded on November 21, just two days after India’s heartbreaking defeat in the ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia in Ahmedabad. The nation, still reeling from the World Cup loss, found solace in the stellar performance of the Indian cricket team, led by the dynamic Suryakumar Yadav.
With the wounds of the World Cup defeat still fresh, India swiftly shifted focus to the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2024. The preparation for this prestigious event kicked off in earnest, and the first litmus test came in the form of a challenging T20 series against Australia. Suryakumar Yadav assumed the leadership role, guiding a squad of promising young players eager to make their mark on the international stage.
The picturesque setting of Vizag witnessed an intense battle between bat and ball as Australia, batting first, posted a formidable total of 208 runs. The architect of this innings was none other than Josh Inglis, the wicketkeeper-batsman, who orchestrated a sensational century. Inglis’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled batting, leaving the Indian bowling attack in disarray.
Winning the toss, Suryakumar Yadav made a strategic decision to field first, aiming to put Australia under pressure from the outset. However, the brilliance of Josh Inglis tested the mettle of the Indian bowlers, with Inglis reaching his century in just 47 balls. The aggressive display left India with a challenging target, and the pressure was on the batsmen to deliver.
Undeterred by the daunting target, the Indian batsmen, under the astute leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, showcased remarkable prowess. The highlight of the inning was Yadav’s scintillating knock of 80 runs off 42 balls, adorned with nine fours and four sixes. The electrifying atmosphere in Vizag intensified as the Indian team inched closer to the target.
In a nail-biting finish, India managed to secure victory with just one ball left. The team reached a total of 209/8 in 19.5 overs, registering their highest-ever chase in T20Is.
[IND vs AUS] Here Is Why Rinku Singh’s Six Off The Final Ball Did Not Count
![[IND vs AUS] Here Is Why Rinku Singh's Six Off The Final Ball Did Not Count](https://thecricketlounge.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IND-vs-AUS-Here-Is-Why-Rinku-Singhs-Six-Off-The-Final-Ball-Did-Not-Count.webp)
The climax of the match unfolded in the final delivery when India needed one run to win. With the field up, anticipation reached its peak. In a moment of sheer brilliance, India’s new finisher, Rinku Singh, smashed Sean Abbott for a six-over long on, securing the win for India. However, the plot twist came in the form of a front-foot no-ball bowled by Abbott.
In cricket, when a no-ball is bowled, any runs scored off the bat, leg-byes, or byes are not counted. In this case, as India only needed one run to win, the extra run from the no-ball led to India’s win. Unfortunately, Rinku couldn’t add six to his score due to the no-ball technicality. This unexpected turn of events added a layer of drama to an already thrilling encounter.