Lucknow: Rinku Singh celebrated his selection to India’s Asia Cup squad with a spectacular unbeaten century, leading the Meerut Mavericks to a thrilling six-wicket victory over the Gorakhpur Lions in the UP T20 League.
Singh’s explosive knock of 108 not out from just 48 balls, featuring seven fours and eight massive sixes, secured the win with a ball to spare. The Gorakhpur Lions had posted a competitive total of 167 for nine wickets in their 20 overs.
The Mavericks’ chase got off to a difficult start, with the team reeling at 38 for four. However, skipper Rinku Singh, along with Sahab Yuvraj Singh, not only stabilized the innings but launched a brutal counter-attack. Rinku took apart the Gorakhpur bowlers, hammering eight towering sixes and seven fours to complete his brilliant hundred. Sahab Yuvraj Singh provided crucial support with 22 runs.
Earlier, after winning the toss and electing to bat, the Gorakhpur Lions lost opener Aryan Juyal for a duck on the third ball of the match, bowled by Vishal Chaudhary. Akshdeep Nath and Dhruv Chand Jurel then built a 45-run partnership. Akshdeep was dismissed for 23 runs from 16 balls, while Nishant Kushwah contributed a useful 37 runs from 24 balls. For the Mavericks, Vishal Chaudhary (3/21) and Vijay (3/37) were the star bowlers, each taking three wickets to restrict the Lions’ total.
Ultimately, the night belonged to Rinku Singh, whose unforgettable innings ensured a memorable win for the Meerut Mavericks.
