IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup 2024: The Rohit Sharma-led Indian team inches closer to the Super Eight qualification in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 after their memorable victory over arch-rivals Pakistan.
The Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York witnessed a jaw-dropping action despite a delay in the start of the match due to rain with India emerging victorious in the thrilling contest.
Apart from all the notable performances in the all-important match, Rishabh Pant's effort came up as a crucial one with both bat and gloves behind the stumps.
Pant has been having a comeback to remember in international cricket and already has made game-changing contributions in India's first two matches.
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For his magnificent contribution of three catches while defending a low total, Pant won the Fielder of the Match medal in the Indian dressing room.
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Pant, who also was the top run-getter for the side with a 42-run knock, received the honour from none other than former India head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri.
The wicketkeeper-batter took catches of Fakhar Zaman (13) off Hardik Pandya and followed it by grabbing two more of Imad Wasim (15) and Shadab Khan (4) as India clinched a six-run victory.
India's fielding coach T Dilip first mentioned Suryakumar Yadav, Arshdeep Singh and Pant as the contenders for the special medal before announcing the winner.
Suryakumar's catch opened the gates of breakthroughs for India as he bagged a stunner at first slip to send back Pakistan skipper Babar Azam for 13.
Iftikhar Ahmed came out to bat in the situation when Pakistan needed him to deliver with his proven finishing skills.
However, he miscued one off Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep not only did well to hold on to the catch but also saved himself from a collision with Surykumar who also was heading towards the ball.
Notably, Pant was out of cricketing action for 14-15 months due to a horrific car accident he met way back in December 2022, escaping death by a whisker.
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After undergoing multiple surgeries for his injuries and undergoing a long rehabilitation, Pant made the much-awaited return to the cricket field through IPL 2024.
While playing for Delhi Capitals, Pant looked in great touch throughout the IPL season and was rewarded with the selection in India's T20 WC squad.
Ravi Shastri, while praising the team's effort in the all-important match, lauded Pant for his memorable comeback after jumping out of the jaws of the death.
He also said that the way Pant has come out at the top once again is a great influential example for not only his teammates or other aspiring cricketers but also for everyone around the globe.