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The third T20I match between India and Sri Lanka saw a dramatic turn of events as Rinku Singh, known for his explosive batting, donned the hat of an all-rounder and delivered a game-changing over. With Sri Lanka seemingly cruising towards victory, chasing a below-par target of 137/8, Captain Suryakumar Yadav entrusted Rinku with the ball, needing nine runs off the last 12 deliveries. Rinku, having received prior instructions from SKY to be prepared to bowl, didn't disappoint. In his solitary over, he scalped two wickets, those of Kusal Perera and Ramesh Mendis, while conceding only three runs, bringing the equation down to a nerve-wracking six runs needed off six balls.
The match, thus, went into a Super Over, where India ultimately emerged victorious. This unexpected turn of events highlighted the strategic flexibility of the Indian team, particularly the trust placed in Rinku Singh's bowling skills. Rinku later revealed that SKY had already instructed him to be ready to bowl if the situation demanded it. His past experience, including scalping wickets in domestic cricket and even an ODI, had likely bolstered the team's confidence in his bowling abilities. The fact that he was asked to bowl in such a crucial moment, despite not having bowled in the lead-up to the match, speaks volumes about his preparedness and the trust bestowed upon him by the team leadership.
The 19th over, bowled by Rinku, proved to be a turning point in the match. It not only restricted Sri Lanka to just three runs but also brought the game back to life after Khaleel Ahmed's 18th over, which had witnessed a series of six wides and tilted the match in Sri Lanka's favor. The dramatic shift in momentum was a testament to the impact Rinku's bowling had on the match. Earlier, when Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Perera were in complete control with substantial partnerships, the outcome of the match seemed predetermined. However, Rinku's bowling changed the narrative completely, effectively dismantling Sri Lanka's winning momentum and paving the way for India's Super Over triumph. Ultimately, this thrilling encounter showcased the multifaceted talents of Rinku Singh, reminding everyone that he is not just a batsman but a complete cricketer who can contribute across different aspects of the game.
Source: 'SKY Had Informed Me To Be Ready For Bowling': Rinku Singh Discloses Pre-Planned Move