India batter Rinku Singh lit up the Uttar Pradesh Premier League 2025 on Saturday with a breathtaking knock of 78 off 48 balls, guiding Meerut Mavericks to a 136-run chase in just 15.4 overs against Kashi Rudras at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
Rudras Set Target with Karan Sharma’s Knock
Karan Sharma’s composed 61 off 50 balls anchored the Rudras’ innings as they posted 135/8 in 20 overs. For Meerut, speedster Kartik Tyagi was the standout bowler, striking early with the new ball and finishing with a superb four-wicket haul, dismantling both the top order and the Rudras’ late charge.
Rinku’s Counter-Attack Turns the Game
The Mavericks were reeling at 26/3 in the powerplay, but Rinku Singh’s arrival changed the script. He initially absorbed the pressure, scoring just 15 runs off his first 20 balls with two boundaries. But once settled, he shifted gears dramatically.
From the 14th over onward, Rinku exploded, smashing four sixes and four fours in just 11 balls, wrapping up the chase by the 16th over. A staggering 77% of his runs came in boundaries, underlining his reputation as one of India’s fiercest finishers.
Season Numbers Reflect Dominance
Rinku’s form in the UP T20 League has been electric—295 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 170.52, including 20 fours, 19 sixes, and a century (108 off 48 vs Gorakhpur Lions).
Asia Cup Selection Dilemma
The 27-year-old is already part of India’s Asia Cup 2025 squad, named after chief selector Ajit Agarkar and the panel opted for an extra batter over Washington Sundar. While his finishing ability strengthens his claim for the playing XI, he faces stiff competition from Hardik Pandya and Axar Patel, both offering all-round skills.
Agarkar, while announcing the squad, said:
“He’s always been in the scheme of things. We felt the team needed an extra batter, and Rinku fits that role. If the squad size allowed 16, Washington Sundar could’ve made it too.”
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