India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant’s sharp reflexes and excellent presence of mind were vital in the dismissal of Bangladesh opener Najmul Shanto after Virat Kohli had dropped the catch. Pant and Kohli combined to give India their first breakthrough in Bangladesh’s second innings in the ongoing Test in Chattogram.
The Bangladesh openers, Shanto and Zakir Hasan, had frustrated India in a wicketless first session on Day 4 while chasing an inconceivable target of 513 runs at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
The pair defied the Indian bowlers for 46 overs for a partnership of 124 runs and en route both the openers registered their respective half-centuries.
Rishabh Pant saves the day after Virat Kohli drops crucial chance
Captain KL Rahul gave Umesh Yadav the ball in the post Lunch session, and in his third over of the spell Yadav was successful in inducing the outside edge of Shanto’s bat. The ball went on straight with Yadav’s around the wicket angle and Shanto went to have a feel of it, a delivery that he could have left alone.
The edge flew toward Kohli standing at the first slip. It was at the chest height of Kohli who had crouched a little with his knees bent. It was a simple, regulation take that Kohli messed up as the ball burst out of his hands and lobbed behind wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant who had his eyes on Kohli.
Fortunately for India, Pant was sharp and quick in his reaction to Kohli’s drop, and put in a dive to get his gloves under the dying ball and complete the catch.
Pant has been getting applause from the fans for his catch.
You can watch the video of it here:
Fastest hands in Chattogram 🤩 #RP17 did so well to pouch that 🧤#BANvINDpic.twitter.com/xZoC1xyk6s
— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) December 17, 2022
Pant was later also involved in the dismissal of Nurul Hasan, doing a quickfire stumping off the bowling of Axar Patel.
After breaking the opening stand, India made regular breakthroughs and have Bangladesh 6 down for the score of 272 on the surface that, although had turn and variable bounce, was slow, hence allowing batters to play on the back foot and be watchful of the turning ball.
Going into Day 5, Bangladesh needs 241 more runs with 4 wickets in hand and have Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan at the crease. Barring any big upset, India should see through the remaining 4 wickets.
