In a heartbreaking turn of events during the 1st Test against New Zealand in Bengaluru, India’s wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant missed out on his century by just one run. Batting on 99, Pant was clean bowled by Kiwi pacer William O’Rourke, who sent down a delivery from around the wicket that clipped the inside edge and crashed into the stumps. Pant’s innings, which came after concerns over his fitness due to a knee injury, was nothing short of electrifying before its unfortunate end.
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𝗢𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗸! 😍
Rishabh Pant smacks a 1⃣0⃣7⃣m MAXIMUM! 💥
Live – https://t.co/FS97Llv5uq#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/4UHngQLh47
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2024
Pant’s Spectacular Knock and Heartbreak
Rishabh Pant , who had been stretched off on Day 2 and did not take the field on Day 3, returned on Day 4 to showcase his aggressive batting style. He enthralled the crowd with a 107-meter six off Tim Southee, a shot that soared onto the roof of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, just a few deliveries later, Rishabh Pant chopped a ball onto his stumps, bringing his innings to a sudden halt and leaving fans in stunned silence.
Pant’s knee injury, the same one he suffered in a serious car accident in December 2022 that kept him out for over a year, seemed to trouble him during the match, but his determination shone through. Despite his valiant effort, India’s batting line-up crumbled, losing seven wickets for just 54 runs after New Zealand took the second new ball.
New Zealand in Command
O’Rourke was the star for New Zealand, finishing with an impressive 7-114 from India’s two innings. Earlier, Sarfaraz Khan reached his century with a stunning boundary off Southee, earning a standing ovation from the crowd. However, his innings ended at 150 when he was caught at cover.
Heading into the final day, New Zealand need 107 runs to claim victory and take a 1-0 lead in the series.