Explained: Why Rinku Singh's last ball six didn't count in his scorecard during IND vs AUS 1st T20I

Rinku Singh hit a last ball six against Sean Abott in the first T20I against Australia.

In a nail-biting encounter at Vizag, Rinku Singh’s heroics with the bat seemed to have secured India a dramatic last-ball victory against Australia in the 1st T20I. However, an unexpected turn of events, governed by a specific ICC rule, left fans puzzled and denied Singh’s six on the scorecard.

Rinku Singh’s unbeaten 22 off 14 balls proved instrumental in India’s pursuit of chasing a daunting target of 209 set by Australia. With one run required off the final delivery and Australian pacer Sean Abbott tasked with defending it, Singh struck a massive six over long-on.

Rinku Singh hits a last ball six…but doesn’t count in his scorecard

As Rinku Singh’s spectacular last-ball six soared over the boundary, celebration erupted among fans and players alike. However, amidst the celebrations, nobody noticed the surprising omission? The colossal hit, seemingly securing victory, was not recorded in the scorecard. Leaving fans baffled by the decision and in question why wasn’t the six counted in the batsman’s score.

It arosed due to ICC Men’s T20I Playing Conditions 16.5.1, which states, “As soon as a result is reached… match is at an end. Nothing that happens thereafter… shall be regarded as part of it.” Since only one run was needed, Abbott’s overstepping meant the match concluded, and Singh’s six wasn’t added to his total.

The rule specifies that if a boundary is scored before the batters complete sufficient runs to win, it contributes to the side’s total. In this case, as the victory was secured with that one run, Singh’s spectacular six didn’t officially count.

Singh’s innings, featuring four fours, showcased his ability to handle pressure in crunch moments. However, the anticlimactic ending left fans and experts debating the fairness of the rule.

The match itself was historic, witnessing the highest successful chase for Indian men’s T20I team. Australia, coming off an ODI World Cup clash with India, posted a formidable 208/3, driven by Josh Inglis’ maiden T20I century and Steve Smith’s fifty.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliant 80 and Ishan Kishan’s explosive 58, seemed on track until a late twist in the 18th over. Despite losing three wickets in the final over, Rinku Singh’s last-ball six, though not officially counted, ensured India’s victory.

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