01 June,2024 09:34 PM IST | New York | mid-day online correspondent
Rishabh Pant (Pic: AFP)
In India's sole T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Bangladesh in New York, the dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant showcased his prowess with a blistering 32-ball half-century. Representing India for the first time since a harrowing car accident in December 2022, Pant's return to the international stage was nothing short of spectacular.
The left-handed maestro, batting at No. 3, announced his arrival with authority, peppering the boundaries with a flurry of strokes. His innings was highlighted by a boundary at long-on off the bowling of Shakib Al Hasan, which propelled him to his fifty before he was retired out.
Pant's innings was a testament to his explosive style, featuring four fours and four sixes. Among his memorable shots was a trademark one-handed six off Mahmudullah and an onslaught of three maximums in a single over off the bowling of Shakib. These audacious strokes not only thrilled the crowd but also demonstrated Pant's ability to dominate any bowling attack.
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Prior to Pant's scintillating display, India's innings got off to a sluggish start, with openers Rohit Sharma and Sanju Samson struggling to find their rhythm on a pitch that offered assistance to the bowlers in the T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match. Samson, who finds himself in contention with Pant for the wicketkeeper-batter slot in India's playing XI, endured a brief stay at the crease, departing after just one run off six balls in the second over.
Pant's electrifying performance comes on the heels of a stellar IPL 2024 campaign, where he emerged as the leading run-scorer for the Delhi Capitals. Throughout the tournament, Pant dazzled spectators with his aggressive batting style, amassing 446 runs at an impressive strike rate of 155.40.
With his explosive form and unmatched talent, Pant has undoubtedly bolstered India's batting lineup, providing the team with the firepower needed to excel in the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. As he continues to etch his name in the annals of cricketing history, Pant stands as a symbol of resilience, determination, and sheer brilliance on the cricket field.
