Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant half-century and Rinku Singh’s vital cameo propelled India to a thrilling victory against Australia in the first T20I of the three-match series on Thursday.
Facing a challenging target of 209 and in early trouble at 22/2, Suryakumar showcased his trademark pull shot, dispatching Jason Behrendorff for a six.
Ishan Kishan, partnering with Suryakumar, accelerated the run rate, and Suryakumar’s explosive shots during the Powerplay added momentum.
The skipper, embracing a “fearless” cricket approach, reached his fifty in just 29 balls with a powerful hit off Sean Abbott. Despite a valiant effort from Tilak Varma and cramps affecting Suryakumar, Rinku Singh’s support proved crucial.
Suryakumar’s dismissal for 80 in 42 balls did little to deter India, with Rinku Singh remaining composed under pressure. Axar Patel’s late wicket and Ravi Bishnoi’s run out added suspense, but Rinku Singh’s calm demeanor prevailed.
Despite a run-out attempt on the final ball, Rinku Singh sealed the victory with a six, turning the last delivery’s no-ball into a symbolic moment of India’s triumph.
This historic win marked India’s highest successful run-chase in men’s T20Is, surpassing their previous record set in Hyderabad in 2019. It was India’s fifth successful run-chase of a target exceeding 200 in men’s T20Is.
