Rinku Singh delivered another defining all-round performance as Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants in a dramatic Super Over at Lucknow on Sunday. After both sides finished on 155 in regulation time, KKR tightened their grip in the tie-breaker, with Rinku playing a decisive role at both ends of the field.
Key takeaways
- KKR and LSG were tied at 155 apiece after 40 overs, forcing a Super Over.
- Rinku Singh’s 83 not out off 51 balls (his best IPL score) powered KKR from 93/7 to 155/7.
- Sunil Narine took two wickets in the Super Over to limit Lucknow to a record-low 1/2.
- Rinku also contributed in the Super Over dismissal involving Aiden Markram.
- Rinku finished the match with five catches and was named Player of the Match.
Rinku’s rescue and late surge set up the tie
Kolkata were in serious trouble during the first 15 overs, slumping to 93 for 7. Rinku Singh then steadied the innings and transformed it, remaining unbeaten on 83 from 51 balls to stop the collapse from becoming a rout.
His approach balanced control with acceleration. He built the platform patiently before launching an aggressive finish in the final over, striking four sixes in a row to propel KKR to 155 for 7. The innings also featured seven fours and five maximums.
Narine and Rinku deliver in the Super Over as KKR seal it
Lucknow chased down the target and the match went to a Super Over. That’s where Sunil Narine took charge, using his experience to dismiss Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram in quick succession, restricting LSG to just 1 for 2—an all-time lowest total in a Super Over.
Rinku was involved again in the dismissal of Markram. Markram attempted to loft Narine over the infield but didn’t generate enough power. Rovman Powell moved to his left and completed the catch, but with momentum carrying him toward the boundary rope, he threw the ball up just before it crossed. Rinku then sprinted in to complete the catch.
With only two runs required, KKR calmly saw the chase through in the tie-breaker, and Rinku scored the winning runs to finish the contest.
What Rinku said after the match
After the game, Rinku explained his typical mindset and how he adapts when he comes in after early wickets. He said, “My mindset is usually to see how to play the game (because I usually walk in after 4-5 wickets have fallen), and I think about how to take the game deep. Wickets had fallen (tonight), so I wanted to take singles, doubles and then capitalize on the loose balls. Just found out late that a spinner would bowl the 20th over. (On his catching) I love fielding, right from my childhood. I enjoy my fielding.”
On the Super Over catch, he added, “I was not at all ready. I thought he would catch it. He threw it up suddenly (smiles).”
