Rishabh Pant is thought to be an explosive batter; one who plays Test matches like it’s a T20. On many occasions, the explosive player has gone on to have shown glimpses of maturity way beyond his age. It is becoming somewhat of a habit for him to bring India out of despair and win the game single-handedly.
The third ODI against England saw one such knock, where Pant went against his usual exploits to play a sensible innings to not just stop the fall of wickets, but to also win the game for Men in Blue. Coming on to bat at 21-2, the southpaw was tasked with countering the England bowlers who were breathing fire.
From the other side of the crease, the 24-year-old saw India struggle at 72-4. The situation pointed to a repeat of the second ODI when Indian were sent packing at just 146 runs. Pant, however having learned from the previous match with Hardik Pandya did not let this match repeat the heartbreak of the second ODI.
Playing cautiously at the start, Rishabh Pant and Pandya steadied the innings and stopped the fall of wickets altogether. As both moved past their half-century knocks Hardik started to increase his strike rate. Contrary to his character, the wicketkeeper batter however remained rock solid from the other end. Pandya, trying to get to the finish line quickly got out on an incredible score of 71 off of just 55 balls.
Rishabh Pant nonetheless, played sensibly with Ravindra Jadeja and moved the team closer to the finish line. Once however, it was in reach, he brought out the explosive batter in him and smacked David Willey off five boundaries in the 42nd over. He won the game in the next over in a similarly dismissive manner, hitting a reverse shot for a four.
In the end, the 24-year-old match-winner remained unbeaten at 125 off of 113 deliveries. Twitter came alive with his sensational batting and could not but applaud the Delhi captain for playing one of the greatest knocks in a run chase.
This is one of the best ODI? under pressure on the English soil from an Indian batter, Considering series was on the line @RishabhPant17
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 17, 2022
Rishabh Pant has 5 fifties in the last 11 ODI matches for India.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) July 17, 2022
Hundred by Rishabh Pant – what a knock this has been by Pant. In the series decider, he's put on a masterclass and gave his best for India.
Take a bow, Pant. pic.twitter.com/kLipqJhFfB
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 17, 2022
Rishabh Pant is a very rare talent. Like a diamond, he will grace the cricket world.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 17, 2022
Highest score by an Indian wicketkeeper in:
Away Tests – Rishabh Pant (159*)
Away ODIs – Rishabh Pant (125*)
Away T20Is – Rishabh Pant (65*)#ENGvIND— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) July 17, 2022
Superb knock from Rishabh Pant ???#ENGvIND pic.twitter.com/8xCp87xuY1
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 17, 2022
?? WE'VE GOT RISHABH PANT! This is Rishabh Pant's world and we're just living on it!
? Getty • #INDvENG #ENGvIND #RishabhPant #TeamIndia #BharatArmy pic.twitter.com/3teYkLRcvR
— The Bharat Army (@thebharatarmy) July 17, 2022
A sensational knock from Rishabh Pant ?#ENGvIND | Scorecard: https://t.co/0VsmIkGldg pic.twitter.com/lvqITuQF59
— ICC (@ICC) July 17, 2022
