Despite the gloomy weather at the start of the fourth day, new batter Rishabh Pant and overnight partner Sarfaraz Khan kept the Indian innings on track.
Sarfaraz quickly raced to his maiden Test century in the 57th over, while Pant played a supportive role. The left-arm spinner Ajaz was particularly targeted in a dramatic 66th over.
After a maiden over from Glenn Phillips, Pant adopted an aggressive approach, launching a fuller, loopy delivery straight down the ground for six on the first ball of the 66th over.
A dot ball followed, but Pant continued to punish the bowling, sending a loose delivery over long on for another massive six. The over featured a couple of reviews from both teams, with one edge saving Pant from a potential lbw decision.
Despite a few close calls, Pant remained unfazed, hitting a mistimed shot that fell just short of Rachin Ravindra, resulting in a four.
— Rashmi Tiwary (@RashmiMuz) October 19, 2024
Just another day of Pant-astic moments! 💥#RishabhPant #IDFCFirstBankTestTrophy #JioCinemaSports #INDvNZ #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Jpjt5aLpXM
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) October 19, 2024
The dramatic over, filled with sixes, fours, and reviews, captured the attention of Twitter, with fans praising Pant’s fearless batting.