Keeper-batter Rishabh Pant registered the fastest-ever fifty by an Indian in the test format against New Zealand. Pant achieved the feat in 36 balls during the ongoing third test between India and New Zealand in Mumbai.
The 27-year-old surpassed Yashasvi Jaiswal’s record of 41 balls, set during the Pune test. Interestingly, Pant also holds the record for scoring fastest test fifty of 28 balls by an Indian against Sri Lanka in 2022.
Pant arrived at the crease on Day 1, when India were reeling at 84/4. Instead of playing defensively, Pant along with Shubman Gill opted an aggressive approach on Day 2 (Saturday).
In particular, Pant used his feet quite well against Ajaz Patel and secured consistent boundaries to push the team’s score. The highlight of Pant’s knock was his straight sixes against Patel. He was looking comfortable at the crease and employing traditional shots; however, Ish Sodhi trapped him LBW through the ball which turned sharply.
Although, Rishabh Pant decided to take a review, the ball went on to clip the leg-stump and the umpire’s call resulted in him getting dismissed. He slammed 60 off 59 balls, with eight fours and two sixes. His 96-run stand with Gill helped India gain control over the match proceedings.
Thereafter, Gill was dismissed on 90 off 138, while Washington Sundar garnered 38*, as India were all-out for 263 and took the lead of 28 runs. Patel was the pick of the bowlers for the Black Caps with a five-wicket haul.
Indian bowling unit fire all cylinders on Day 2 of 3rd Test
Trailing by 28 runs, New Zealand were put under pressure by Akash Deep, who breached the defense of skipper Tom Latham (1). Devon Conway (22) tried well, he couldn’t convert his start into a substantial knock. The likes of Rachin Ravindra (4) and Tom Blundell (4) fell in single digits, as the Indian trio started utilizing the spin surface well.
Ravichandran Ashwin took a well-judged catch of Daryl Mitchell (21), as he was starting to up the ante of the visitors. Glenn Phillips (26), who had already his three sixes, was outfoxed by Ashwin’s magical delivery. Will Young (51) was the standout batter for New Zealand on Day 2, as they ended on 171/9. Ravindra Jadeja has picked four wickets, while Ashwin has bagged three so far.
India have a great chance to bundle out New Zealand early on Day 3, and chase down a below-par total of around 150. In this way, they will hope to avoid a series whitewash after having lost their first-ever series against New Zealand on home soil.
