After 24 balls of patience, Rishabh Pant unleashed his bat, launching a massive six off New Zealand‘s veteran pacer Tim Southee. This hit came during the third innings of the first Test in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 19.
Pant was on 12 when Southee bowled the fourth over of his spell, the 61st of the innings. Despite the Kiwi’s strategy of keeping wicketkeeper Tom Blundell close to the stumps to restrict Pant’s movement, the Indian batsman proved he didn’t need to step out.
The first delivery was a full ball outside off-stump, which Pant struck with power and quick bat speed, sending it soaring down the ground and landing in the third tier at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. You can watch the video here:
https://x.com/jiocinema/status/1847500524595401063?s=46
The shot altered the course of Pant’s innings. He had appeared unusually hesitant during those 24 balls, with several edges finding safe spots. He nearly got run out due to a miscommunication with Sarfaraz Khan.
Following the six, his focus and confidence surged as he struck another four off Southee on the last ball of the over and then scored 16 runs off spinner Ajaz Patel in the 66th over.
India Charging Toward a Comeback with Pant and Sarfaraz
India began batting on Saturday with aspirations of staging a remarkable recovery from their dismal 46 all-out in the first innings. Sarfaraz took the initial steps to realize this goal, quickly scoring 30 runs to secure his maiden Test century while countering various strategies from the Black Caps.
After his celebrations, Pant demonstrated all the right signs of building on their lead. India believes that, due to their aggressive playing styles, the longer these two bat, the greater their chances of achieving a positive outcome in the match.
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