Rinku Singh lit up the UPT20 in Lucknow with a breathtaking display of power-hitting. Leading Meerut Mavericks, the southpaw hammered an unbeaten 108 off just 48 balls to guide his side to a six-wicket win over Dhruv Jurel’s Gaur Gorakhpur Lions at the Ekana Stadium.
Fireworks in the Penultimate Over
Chasing 168, Rinku turned the game in his team’s favor with a hat-trick of sixes against Gorakhpur bowler Vasu Vats. He reached his century in only 45 balls and finished with seven fours and eight sixes at a strike rate of 225. Meerut sealed victory with seven balls to spare, climbing to third place in the standings.
Selection Justified Amid Criticism
The ton comes at a perfect time, silencing critics of his inclusion in India’s 2025 Asia Cup squad. His selection drew debate after Washington Sundar was left out. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar defended the move, saying, “We already have two wrist spinners in Varun and Kuldeep, and Axar has been around. We needed an extra batter in Rinku. If there were 16 spots, Sundar could have been there.”
Opposition Efforts in Vain
For Gorakhpur, Jurel top-scored with 38 while Akashdeep Nath added 23, and Nishant Kushwaha chipped in with 37. Their total of 167 looked competitive until Rinku’s explosive innings turned the contest into a one-man show.
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