Wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant was visibly frustrated after being dismissed by the third umpire Paul Reiffel, overturning the on-field decision during India’s tense run chase of 147 in the third Test against New Zealand. Pant, who had been holding the fort with an aggressive 64 off 57 balls, was hoping to steer India to victory, but his dismissal has left the match hanging in the balance.
The incident occurred on the fourth ball of the 22nd over, bowled by Ajaz Patel. Pant, trying to advance down the pitch, misjudged the length, and the ball ricocheted off his pad into wicketkeeper Tom Blundell’s gloves. New Zealand appealed, but the on-field umpire initially ruled it not out. After a brief huddle, Kiwi skipper Tom Latham decided to review.
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UltraEdge technology showed a slight spike as the ball neared Pant’s bat, leading Reiffel to conclude there was enough evidence to overturn the decision. Pant appeared to argue, gesturing that the sound might have come from his bat brushing his pad, but the third umpire stood firm. Reluctantly, Pant had to walk back, disappointed and with India’s chase now on shaky ground.
— Lolzzz (@CricketerMasked) November 3, 2024
During his dynamic innings, Pant became only the third Indian batter, after Virender Sehwag and Yashasvi Jaiswal, to score over 50 runs in both innings of a Test at a strike rate above 100. His counter-attacking approach offered a glimmer of hope in India’s pursuit of a consolation win in the series.
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However, India’s batting order faltered. Top-order mainstays Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Yashasvi Jaiswal failed to capitalize on starts, leaving Pant as one of the few to put up resistance. With only 71 runs on the board and six wickets down, Pant’s aggressive play was a breath of life, but Ajaz Patel ultimately dismissed him, marking his 10th wicket in the match. Patel’s relentless spin has kept New Zealand in control, exploiting the Wankhede pitch and putting pressure on India’s lower order.
With India down by several wickets and needing runs to avoid a clean sweep, the game’s outcome remains unpredictable, as New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack continues to challenge India’s resolve in the final innings of the Test series.
Fact is there must’ve been doubt. Surely you stay with on-field call then? Unless the 3rd Ump clearly saw a deviation? I’m not so sure.
And don’t get me wrong, I have no bias here, just pushing for consistent calls and good use of tech.
— AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) November 3, 2024
Out or not? 🤔 #RishabhPanthttps://t.co/Vq9uHVazcz | #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/LUAz53kuvQ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 3, 2024
There shouldn’t be any doubt now that Rishabh Pant is the greatest wicket keeper batsman India has ever produced. Well played Spidey. pic.twitter.com/xoqxJJXQqD
— Kevin (@imkevin149) November 3, 2024
Third Class Umpire giving Rishabh Pant’s wicket pic.twitter.com/ECd9GlKFoF
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 3, 2024
BCCI is the richest cricket board and still can’t afford the hotspot.Rishabh Pant is robbed.
It’s a shame that we can’t even fix the umpires. pic.twitter.com/DkzMi5wS3v
— Sujeet Suman (@sujeetsuman1991) November 3, 2024
lone warrior Rishabh Pant pic.twitter.com/sRabYrBxso
— Gagan🇮🇳 (@1no_aalsi_) November 3, 2024
