Rinku Singh Smashes Quickfire Century in UP T20 League Ahead of Asia Cup

Rinku Singh’s Heroics Keep Asia Cup Hopes Alive With Maiden T20 Hundred.

Rinku Singh pulled off a one-man show in the UP T20 League on Thursday, August 21, delivering a stunning chase for Meerut Mavericks against Gaur Gorakhpur Lions.

Chasing 168 at Lucknow’s Ekana Stadium, Meerut were in deep trouble at 38/4 in the 8th over. Just when defeat looked inevitable, skipper Rinku Singh turned the tide with a breathtaking knock. The left-hander smashed his maiden T20 century, finishing unbeaten on 108 off just 48 balls, laced with 7 fours and 8 towering sixes. Remarkably, 5 of those sixes came in his final 6 balls, as he dismantled Abdul Rehman and Vasu Vats in the 18th and 19th overs to seal victory with an over to spare.

The timing of this hundred couldn’t have been better for Rinku. After a dream start to his T20I career — 479 runs in 19 innings at an average of nearly 60 and a strike rate of 175 — the last few months have been difficult. Across recent series against South Africa and England, he managed just 67 runs in seven innings, struggling for rhythm and confidence.

His IPL 2025 season with Kolkata Knight Riders also played a role in his slump. Consistently pushed down the order to No. 6, 7, or even 8, Rinku rarely got the chance to face more than 20 balls. On the few occasions he did, he showed his worth — notably a brisk 36 (off 25) and a match-winning 19* (off 10) against Rajasthan Royals. But the lack of consistent opportunities eroded his confidence.

With his blazing hundred for Meerut, fans will be hoping Rinku has finally turned a corner. As India gears up for the Asia Cup, the left-hander will be desperate to prove himself again — and avoid the disappointment of the T20 World Cup 2024, where he warmed the bench throughout the tournament.