Xtra Time Web Desk: Rinku Singh pulled off an extraordinary feat against the Gujarat Titans in a thrilling IPL 2023 game at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday. With Kolkata Knight Riders needing 29 runs off the final over bowled by Yash Dayal, Rinku smashed five consecutive sixes to turn the match on its head and secure a last-gasp victory for his team.
Earlier, Rashid Khan, leading the defending champions in the absence of Hardik Pandya, nearly turned the match in favor of the Titans with the first hat-trick of IPL 2023, dismissing Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, and Shardul Thakur back-to-back. But Rinku had other ideas, as he changed the course of the match with his incredible hitting.
It was also the first time in IPL 2023 that a 200-plus total was successfully chased down, as KKR had to chase down a target of 205. Despite losing early wickets, Venkatesh Iyer provided a glimmer of hope with his blistering knock of 83 runs off just 40 balls. But it was Rinku’s heroics in the final over that will be remembered as one of the most incredible finishes in IPL history.
The Titans had earlier set a formidable target of 204/4, with Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, Sai Sudharsan, and Vijay Shankar all making valuable contributions with the bat. However, it was Rinku Singh’s breathtaking innings that stole the show and secured a memorable victory for KKR against all odds.