Singh stars as Deccan Gladiators win Abu Dhabi T20 Ramadan title

There are very few performances by players which leave a lasting impression. One such outstanding all-round performance was by Rinku Singh in the final of the Abu Dhabi Cricket’s T20 Ramadan tournament.

Coming in to bat at No. 7 with the team reeling on 50 for 6, Singh played the innings of his life. His 104 with just the backing of the tailenders lifted Deccan Gladiators (Local wings ) to a defendable 166 for 7 in 20 overs.

Singh was not done yet. He returned to bag two wickets and the Man of the Match award as Gladiators restricted New Medical Centre (NMC) to 135 for 9 in 20 overs at the Oval ground in Abu Dhabi on Friday night.

Sometimes winning the toss and electing to bat seems like half the battle won, but the script took a turn after Gladiators tampered with their batting lineup.

Openers Mohammad Qasim fell to Ghulam Murtaza for 1 run while his partner and prolific run scorer Yassir Kaleem lasted 10 balls for his 7 before departing to Akif Raja.

Shair Wali then struck two telling blows to send back Mohammad Ikram (0) and the dependable Shivam Sharma (5).

Prashant Gupta became Afsand Yaar’s victim and it looked like curtains for Gladiators but Singh changed the complexion of the match.

With support from Kashif Daud (18 not out), the two ratcheted 112 crucial runs for the seventh wicket.

Rinku clobbered nine sixes and six fours for his 104 which came off only 58 balls.

In the bowling department he sent down one over and bagged two lower order wickets after Imitiyaz Ahmed and Ali Abid ran through the top order. Only Fayyaz Ahmed (36) and Ghulam Murtaza (27) stood out for NMC.