Rishabh Pant’s audacious reverse scoop off Marcus Stoinis stole the show in Delhi Capitals’ emphatic six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday.
Pant’s blistering knock of 41 runs off just 24 deliveries played a pivotal role in Delhi’s successful chase of Lucknow’s 167 for 7. However, it was his audacious stroke against Stoinis that left fans and commentators in awe.
In the 12th over of Delhi’s run-chase, Pant reversed his bat at the last moment to guide Stoinis’ delivery over the third-man boundary. The shot, which showcased Pant’s exceptional hand-eye coordination and improvisation, drew a wide smile from Delhi Capitals’ director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, who was watching the replays on the big screen.
Pant’s innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He smashed four boundaries and two sixes, including a towering hit over long-on off Avesh Khan. His dismissal by Ravi Bishnoi while attempting a big shot prevented him from reaching a half-century.
Despite Pant’s departure, Delhi cruised to victory with 11 balls to spare. Prithvi Shaw (34) and David Warner (26) provided a solid start, while Rovman Powell (35 not out) and Axar Patel (22 not out) finished the job with an unbeaten 53-run partnership.
For Lucknow, Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 27. Avesh Khan and Bishnoi also chipped in with two wickets each.
The victory was Delhi’s second in three matches, while Lucknow suffered their first defeat of the season.
