Rishabh Pant delivered a dazzling performance, marking his emphatic return to form as he played a pivotal role in guiding India out of a precarious situation on Day 2 of the third and final Test against New Zealand. On a hot Saturday morning in Mumbai, Pant unleashed his formidable batting skills, punishing the New Zealand bowlers with a blend of aggressive strokes and confident shot selection. His partnership with Shubman Gill was crucial, as together they shifted the momentum decisively back in India's favor during a brisk and lively morning session.
Pant achieved a significant milestone, setting a new Indian record for the fastest Test fifty against New Zealand, reaching this impressive benchmark in just 36 deliveries. His explosive innings featured an impressive tally of seven boundaries and two sixes, showcasing his remarkable ability to dominate the bowlers. This record-breaking feat surpassed the previous mark held by Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had achieved a fifty in 41 balls during the second Test of this series in Pune. The swiftness and precision of Pant’s innings underscored not only his talent but also his readiness to embrace the pressure of the moment.
In addition to his record against New Zealand, it is noteworthy that Pant also holds the record for the fastest Test fifty by any Indian batter, having accomplished this feat in a mere 28 balls against Sri Lanka in Bengaluru in 2022. The all-time record for the fastest Test fifty is still held by former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq, who achieved the remarkable feat in just 21 balls against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014.
**FASTEST TEST FIFTIES FOR INDIA vs NEW ZEALAND**
- **36** - Rishabh Pant in Mumbai, 2024
- **41** - Yashasvi Jaiswal in Pune, 2024
Throughout the morning session of Day 2, India maintained an impressive scoring rate of close to six runs per over, as both Pant and Gill worked in tandem to dismantle the New Zealand bowling attack. The visiting team, having taken the series lead by stunning India with a 2-0 advantage, had appeared to have the upper hand after India’s late collapse on Day 1, which saw them tumble from a promising position of 78 for 1 to a precarious 84 for 4 in a dramatic 15-minute period. However, Pant and Gill's steady partnership ensured that the pressure did not mount further on the Indian team. They approached their innings with a commendable blend of respect for the challenging conditions and a willingness to punish any loose deliveries, effectively demonstrating their maturity as batters.
Shubman Gill, who also completed his fifty during the morning session, experienced a moment of fortune when he was dropped by Mark Chapman while batting on 45. In stark contrast, Pant exhibited a chanceless innings, displaying a perfect blend of aggression and control as he confidently stepped down the track to clear the spinners and send the ball to the boundary. The healthy crowd gathered at the Wankhede Stadium reveled in the electrifying approach demonstrated by both young batters, adding to the excitement and enthusiasm of the match.
India’s Day 1 had ended in chaos, leaving them in a tricky spot. They lost Yashasvi Jaiswal after a reckless attempt at a reverse sweep, which proved costly, while nightwatchman Mohammed Siraj was dismissed without scoring. Virat Kohli’s unfortunate run-out for just four runs compounded the issues for India as they headed to stumps, with their batting order seemingly in disarray. However, the partnership between Pant and Gill emerged as a beacon of hope, proving instrumental as they began to gradually chip away at the New Zealand bowlers, steadily reducing the visitors’ lead in the first innings.
As the day progressed, both batters showcased exceptional skill, discipline, and temperament, providing a much-needed cushion for India and laying the groundwork for a potentially dominant performance in the Test match. Their contributions not only revitalized the Indian innings but also instilled a renewed sense of belief and resilience within the team, exemplifying the fighting spirit that characterizes Indian cricket. As spectators looked on in anticipation, Pant and Gill's partnership became a symbol of determination, suggesting that India was poised to mount a strong comeback in the match, transforming the narrative of the game and setting the stage for an enthralling contest in the days to come.
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