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Rishabh Pant, the dynamic Indian wicketkeeper-batter, added another feather to his cap on Day 2 of the third Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Pant, known for his aggressive batting style, etched his name in the record books by smashing the fastest Test fifty by an Indian against the Kiwis. He achieved this remarkable feat in just 36 balls, surpassing Yashasvi Jaiswal's previous record of 41 balls set during the Pune Test earlier in the series.
Coming into bat after a mini-collapse late on Day 1, Pant joined forces with Shubman Gill, forming a brisk and entertaining partnership. Both batsmen adopted an aggressive approach on Day 2, with Gill also registering a fine half-century. Their quickfire scoring propelled India past the 150-run mark in no time. Pant's whirlwind innings of 60 runs, adorned with eight boundaries and two sixes, proved instrumental in shifting the momentum back in India's favor.
The Kiwis had gained a slight upper hand on Day 1 by picking up three late wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Virat Kohli (4) and Jaiswal (30). However, Pant's fearless and attacking batting style helped India regain control. His innings was a testament to his ability to turn the tide of a match with his powerful strokeplay. He received a lucky break when Matt Henry dropped a simple catch at long-off off Glenn Phillips, but his luck ran out when he was trapped lbw by Ish Sodhi. Despite his untimely dismissal, Pant's 60 off 59 balls, with 2 sixes and 8 fours, left a significant impact on India's innings.
Source: Rishabh Pant surpasses Yashasvi Jaiswal, smashes fastest Test fifty against New Zealand