Australia’s early dominance continued when Starc struck in the third over, removing Yashasvi Jaiswal, and India struggled to form any substantial partnerships.
Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli both fell cheaply, but KL Rahul held firm, scoring 26 off 74 balls. However, Starc’s brilliance resurfaced in the 23rd over, sending Rahul back to the pavilion.
By the time lunch was called, India were in a vulnerable position at 51/4 after 25 overs, with Pant and Dhruv Jurel at the crease. After lunch, Mitchell Marsh bowled a maiden in the 26th over before taking Jurel’s wicket in the 28th, leaving India at 59/5.
There was a brief flicker of hope when Pant played a bold shot, cracking Pat Cummins for a confident four. On the third ball of the 29th over, Cummins bowled a short delivery outside off, and Pant, reading the line well, moved down the track to create space.
— Pandit Pranoob (@pranoob76889) November 22, 2024
However, he mistimed the shot, and the ball sailed toward third man for an accidental boundary. Cummins could only smile at Pant’s audacious stroke, while Twitter erupted in admiration for the Indian keeper-batter’s fearless attempt.