India’s hopes of winning the IND vs NZ 3rd Test has almost ended. And this is owing to the dismissal of Rishabh Pant. The Southpaw continued to showcase his brilliance yet again when the entire team has struggled. Pant went on to hammer a heroic knock of 64 runs as he helped India close in on the 147 run target.
India suffered yet another collapse in their fourth innings run chase as the Kiwi spinners wove their magic. At one stage India were reduced to 29/5. But then it was Rishabh Pant who took the task to the opposition.
Rishabh Pant – Only Hero for India
While the rest of the Indian batters looked afraid to face the Kiwi bowlers, that wasn’t the case for the southpaw. Rishabh Pant with his aggressive approach and intent decided to give back to the opposition. He went on to hammer 9 fours and 1 six in reaching a magnificent knock.
He blasted to his half century from just 48 balls, often dancing down the track to take the spinners for a toss. However, the biggest blow to India came he was dismissed by Ajaz Patel.
Pant had danced down the track to play a shot. The ball hit on his pads before the keeper caught the ball. New Zealand reviewed for caught out. The DRS showed a small spike when the ball passed the bat. But that is where the controversy arises. While the ball passed the bat, the bat had also made contact with the ground.
Pant was disappointed with the decision and only a hotspot could have clarified if it was an inside-edge. With head hanging low, Pant made a long walk back to his pavilion.