NL vs IND: Rishabh Pant plays a shot during the third ODI.© Twitter
Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was at his best in the third and final ODI against England when he played an unbeaten 125 knockout from just 113 balls with the help of 16 fours and 2 sixes. His first ODI century helped Team India chase 260 with five wickets in hand and 47 balls left. This innings was all the more special as he got into trouble when India was in trouble on 21/2 with both Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma back in the hut.
Former Indian batter Virender Sehwag commented on Pant raising his game in series deciders, tweeting: “Last game of a series and @RishabhPant17 played brilliantly – this is a better love story than twilight. Incredible innings from an incredible player – with great support from Hardik and Jadeja. #IndvsEng.”
Last game of a series and @RishabPant17 brilliant play – this is a better love story than twilight.
Incredible innings from an incredible player – with great support from Hardik and Jadeja.#IndvsEng pic.twitter.com/WRGMEFb3sA
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) July 17, 2022
It’s important to note that Pant has the knack of getting his best out of the last game of a series, having spent all his ages in the longest format in the last game of the series. He also played an 89 undefeated knockout at the famous Gabba Test, helping India win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1 in 2020-21.
Speaking of the third ODI against England, India was 72/4 behind 260 and it was then that Pant and Hardik Pandya formed a 133 run stand for the fifth wicket.
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Hardik lost his wicket after scoring 71, but Pant remained undefeated at 125. His innings also included five straight limits in the 42nd over bowled by David Willey.
Pant will then be seen in action in the upcoming T20I five-game series against the West Indies, starting on July 29.
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