Rishabh Pant Blazes to Record-Breaking Test Fifty Against New Zealand
Indian star batter Rishabh Pant etched his name into the record books on Saturday, smashing the fastest Test fifty by an Indian against New Zealand. On Day 2 of the third Test at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, Pant reached his half-century in a blistering 36 balls, eclipsing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s previous mark of 41 balls set in the Pune Test.
Pant’s whirlwind innings came at a crucial juncture for India, who had suffered a mini-collapse late on Day 1. Joining Shubman Gill at the crease, Pant played with characteristic aggression, helping India recover from the loss of key wickets, including Virat Kohli and Jaiswal.
The left-hander’s quickfire 60, adorned with eight boundaries and two towering sixes, shifted the momentum back in India’s favor. Pant’s fearless approach kept the New Zealand bowlers on their toes, forcing them to adjust their tactics.
However, Pant’s luck ran out when he was trapped lbw by Ish Sodhi. Despite his dismissal, Pant’s 60 off 59 balls, including two sixes and eight fours, left an indelible mark on India’s innings.
Pant’s record-breaking fifty is a testament to his exceptional talent and ability to play match-winning knocks under pressure. It also highlights the growing maturity and consistency of the young Indian batter, who is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting players in world cricket.
