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[Saba Sports News] India’s emerging T20 star Rinku Singh displayed his exceptional batting skills in the second T20I against South Africa on Tuesday, December 12 at St George’s Park, Gqeberha, hitting his debut half-century. Coming in at a challenging moment with India at 55/3 after 5.5 overs, Rinku joined forces with captain Suryakumar Yadav at the crease.
He made an immediate impact, elegantly driving Gerald Coetzee for a boundary in his first over. Rinku’s aggression continued as he hit Marco Jansen for consecutive boundaries, propelling India past the 100-run mark in 11 overs. The 26-year-old further intensified the attack against the Proteas, targeting Andile Phehlukwayo for three leg-side boundaries in the 13th over.
Rinku and Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 70 off 48 and reached 2000 T20I runs alongside Virat Kohli, crafted a vital 70-run stand for the fourth wicket. Following Yadav’s dismissal, Rinku maintained the momentum, striking Lizaad Williams for three boundaries.
Reaching his half-century in just 30 balls, Rinku achieved this feat with a single against Aiden Markram in the 16th over. Post his fifty, he unleashed a flurry of shots, including consecutive sixes off Markram in the 19th over, one of which shattered a window in the press box. He ended his innings unbeaten on 68* (39), including nine fours and two sixes, as rain paused the match with India at 180/7 after 19.3 overs. Social media was abuzz with praise for Rinku Singh’s masterful performance.