Rishabh Pant’s audacious reverse scoop shot sent the crowd at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium into a frenzy as India clinched a convincing victory against Ireland in the opening match of the 2024 T20 World Cup. Pant, playing in his first international match since a horrific accident in late 2022, remained unbeaten on a blistering 36 off just 26 deliveries, his knock laced with three boundaries and two sixes. His innings echoed his red-hot form and served as a timely reminder of his destructive power in the middle order.
Pant’s brilliance extended beyond his batting. He showcased his exceptional keeping skills behind the stumps, pouching two crucial catches and playing a vital role in a run-out during Ireland’s innings. This all-around performance from Pant was hailed by former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer, who jokingly tweeted, “If that doesn’t get Americans into cricket, nothing will!”
Too easy for Rishabh Pant. pic.twitter.com/ObfXW5UuN7
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) June 5, 2024
Take a clip of that reverse lap winning six by @RishabhPant17 and play it in the Times Square. If that doesn’t get Americans into cricket, nothing will. #INDvIRE #T20WorldCup
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 5, 2024
The return of Rishabh Pant is a massive boost for the Indian team. Given the crucial number 3 position in the batting order, Pant has thrived in both the warm-up matches and now in India’s first official match of the tournament. His consistent performances have silenced critics who questioned his selection over Sanju Samson.
Cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle echoed this sentiment, tweeting, “Biggest plus for India today was the form of Rishabh Pant.”
WATCH – Axar Patel’s Spectacular One-Handed Catch Dismisses McCarthy In T20 World Cup Clash
While Pant stole the show with his batting heroics, skipper Rohit Sharma also played a vital role in India’s emphatic victory. Opening the innings on a challenging pitch with uneven bounce, Sharma led by example with a well-compiled 52 off just 37 balls.
Biggest plus for India today was the form of Rishabh Pant.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 5, 2024
However, his innings was cut short due to an injury, leaving the Indian camp anxious about his availability for the much-anticipated clash against Pakistan on Sunday, June 9. Team India will be hoping for Rohit’s speedy recovery to ensure a strong batting line-up against their arch-rivals.
Earlier, the Indian bowling attack displayed exceptional discipline, dismantling the Irish batting line-up for a meager total of 97 runs. Hardik Pandya emerged as the wrecker-in-chief, claiming three wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh provided excellent support, picking up two wickets each.
ALSO READ: “He has got his mojo back” – Dinesh Karthik backs Rishabh Pant
Mohammad Siraj also chipped in with a wicket, making it a dominant performance for the Indian pace attack. While Virat Kohli couldn’t find his scoring touch against Ireland, he will be aiming to return to form in the high-voltage match against Pakistan. The experienced batsman boasts an impressive record against Pakistan in T20 World Cups, having amassed 308 runs throughout the history of the tournament. With the all-important Pakistan encounter just around the corner, all eyes will be on Kohli to deliver a match-winning knock and silence his critics.
