Rinku Singh, who has evolved as the master of run chases, once again held his nerves in a last-ball thriller to guide Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to a five-wicket win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Eden Gardens on May 8 (Monday). In death overs under pressure, Rinku had support from Andre Russell returned to his usual self and enthralled the Kolkata crowd with scintillating hits in his 23-ball 42 to take the run chase deep. Arshdeep Singh bowled a brilliant last over but in the end, Rinku was able to outsmart him to earn two crucial points for his side.
Chasing a target of 180 runs, the Knight Riders needed two runs off the final ball of the match. Arshdeep erred in line and bowled a full toss on Rinku's pads. The in-form KKR batter obliged and whipped the ball towards the fine-leg fence to roll out a crucial win for his franchise. The left-handed explosive batter remained unbeaten on 21 runs off 10 balls which he scored with the help of two fours and a six.
After the game, Rinku spoke about his evolution into a finisher for the Kolkata-based franchise and how is preparing for situations like the one that transpired in the game against the Punjab Kings.
"I didn't think about the last ball. Even when I hit those five sixes, I hadn't thought much," Rinku was quoted as saying after the match.
"I thought if I ran through then at least it will be a tie. But Russell was a bit slow off the blocks. I am getting used to batting in these situations since I come at No. 5-7. So I am practicing for those situations too," he stated.
Russell also spoke at length about the growth of Rinku and how he has earned the trust of everyone inside the dressing room.
"When you have Rinku at the other end, I'm not worried whether I take a single or.... He said, 'Russ, what if the ball beat you, should we go for it?' I said, 'Yes, sure!' because I have confidence in him and the angle coming into him as well is a little easier because the ball was tailing away from me. (Arshdeep) was nailing his yorkers wide... So I'm happy," Russell said after the match.
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