The classic Rishabh Pant was on show on the last day of the first unofficial Test between India A and South Africa A at the BCCI’s CoE, Ground 1. After almost a 100-day break, Pant has made his much-awaited comeback, leading India A in the two-match series. While he missed out on runs in the first innings, Pant was back at it again in the run chase.
South Africa A have been mighty impressive in this tour and set a challenging 275-run chase for India A. The hosts looked in massive trouble, losing Ayush Mhatre, Sai Sudharsan and Devdutt Padikkal cheaply. Rajat Patidar (28) was also dismissed with a soft dismissal. But then came Pant, who, with his flair, bamboozled the SA A bowling attack. He finished Day 3 with an unbeaten score of 64.
Rishabh Pant’s flair back
With 156 runs still needed on the last day, all hopes were pinned on Pant. And the Indian Test vice-captain looked in ominous touch. Alongside Ayush Badoni, he was set to counterattack as he hit the very second ball of the day for a mighty six over covers to Cele. In fact, the first over saw him accumulate 14 runs as India A marched towards the total. More runs came via boundaries as Pant looked in his usual ‘defence or attack mode’.
It looked like the run of green was with his side, as well as Pant, who was also dropped off Subrayen’s bowling. However, that luck was short-lived. Left arm pacer Tiaan Van Vuuren came in and banged one short to Pant in the 49th over. The southpaw walked a couple of steps before getting beaten by pace. He ended up in an awkward position and skied straight up one before getting caught for 90 runs off 113 balls.
Unfortunately, Pant’s wicket wasn’t the only wicket that fell in the first session on Day 4. Ayush Badoni continued his inconsistent run as he was also caught on the boundary for 34 off 47 balls. Tanush Kotian, who looked good, ended his innings in the same fashion, leaving India A to 216/7 with 56 runs more required.
Pant was sidelined for three months with a broken foot, forcing him to miss the Asia Cup, the Test series against the West Indies and the Australia tour. Ahead of the IND vs SA series, starting on November 14, Pant now leads the India A squad against South Africa A in two four-day matches that started on October 30.
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