Rishabh Pant’s brilliant knock came to a heartbreaking end as he was dismissed for 99 runs in the first Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. Pant, who was on the verge of a well-deserved century, was bowled by William O’Rourke after facing 105 deliveries, hitting 9 fours and 5 sixes.
Pant attempted to drive the ball but ended up dragging it onto his stumps, leaving the Indian team at 433/5 after 88.1 overs in their second innings. The dismissal silenced the Chinnaswamy crowd as Pant walked off visibly disappointed, with India holding a 77-run lead at the time.
William O’Rourke, the New Zealand bowler, celebrated exuberantly after claiming Pant’s wicket, which came at a crucial juncture for the Kiwis. KL Rahul, at the non-striker’s end, was seen crouching in disbelief as Pant missed out on his century by just one run.
India is still in a commanding position with Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul at the crease, but Pant’s dismissal marks a significant turning point in the match.
