In a display of sheer batting prowess, Rinku Singh unleashed a ferocious innings that went beyond merely contributing to the scorecard; he caused literal destruction. On December 12, during the second T20I against South Africa in Gqeberha, Rinku not only scored his maiden T20I fifty for India but also left his mark in a more tangible way—by breaking the media box glass with a colossal six.
The day had a shaky start for India after being asked to bat first. The loss of openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal by the second over had set a tense stage. However, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma quickly steadied the ship with a brisk partnership, setting the scene for Rinku Singh’s arrival during the powerplay.
Initially cautious, Rinku gradually shifted gears, combining deft touch with brute force. He wove a partnership with Suryakumar Yadav, making the South African bowlers pay dearly. As Rinku grew into his innings, the boundaries started flowing more freely, with nine fours carrying him to a 30-ball fifty. Yet, he had not hit a six until the penultimate over of India’s innings.
It was then that Rinku decided to turn the heat up a notch. Facing spinner Aiden Markram, he launched a towering six over long-on, followed by a laser-like straight hit that flew towards the media box with such velocity that it shattered the glass, causing a cracked spectacle. Rajal Arora, a member of the BCCI media team, captured and shared the image of the damaged window, a testament to Rinku’s explosive 68 off 39 balls.
The highlight clip quickly made the rounds on social media, showcasing Rinku’s powerful stroke that disrupted the calm of the press zone, leaving commentators and journalists in awe of the display of raw power.
However, in a sudden twist of fate, rain played spoilsport, halting the Indian innings. Rinku did not get the chance to add to his score in the final over that was never completed. The skies opened up, and the match had to be cut short, with the visitors lucky enough not to have to face the wrath of Rinku’s bat any further.
The weather interruption brought a DLS adjusted target for South Africa, which the host side chased down with ease. The revised target of 152 didn’t pose much of a challenge, as the South African batsmen showcased their skill in knocking off the runs in a mere 13.5 overs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.
This outcome was bittersweet for Gerald Coetzee, the South African pacer who was denied the chance to complete a potential hat-trick but could nevertheless rejoice in his team’s triumph.
These dramatic events underscored that cricket can never be predicted and encapsulated the thrill that T20 cricket provides. Rinku Singh’s performance was a magnificent blend of timing, aggression, and a touch of destructive flair, making sure that this match would be remembered for both his batting milestone and the unforgettable image of the shattered media box window.