Rishabh Pant the proud skipper of Delhi Capitals (DC) showcased a poised display with the willow in the decisive Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 showdown against the formidable Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on Tuesday evening. The elegant lefthanded batter gracefully amassed a valuable 33 runs off 23 deliveries before bidding adieu at the iconic Arun Jaitley Stadium.
When asked to bat first, DC’s top man Jake Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, Abishek Porel and Shai Hope formed a critical combination to score 73/1 in the powerplay. Hope left after a well-made 38, but Porel maintained his aggressive hitting, scoring his second half-century of the season.
Porel was removed after 33 balls, and Pant was joined by Tristan Stubbs in the middle. The two scored some critical runs, but the DC captain struggled to raise the bar. After scoring 33 runs, he holed out to the long-on fielder.
Naveen-ul-Haq delivered at a slower pace and pitched full outside the off stump. Rishabh Pant’s timing was poor, as the bottom hand came off the bat and holed out to Deepak Hooda.
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Despite Pant’s premature demise, Stubbs’ late cameo helped Delhi reach 208/4 in 20 overs. The South African stayed undefeated with 57 off 25 balls, hitting three boundaries and four sixes.
Naveen took two wickets for the Super Giants, while Arshad Khan and Ravi Bishnoi each claimed one.
How has Rishabh Pant fared with the bat in IPL 2024?
Pant marked his highly anticipated return to competitive cricket following a prolonged break due to a harrowing car accident during IPL 2024. Despite being away from the sport for nearly 14 months the southpaw showcased his exceptional talent proving that he has not lost his touch.
The cricketer from Delhi has achieved the remarkable feat of being the seventhhighest scorer in this years cashrich league by accumulating an impressive total of 471 runs in 14 matches including three halfcenturies.
Rishabh Pant muchanticipated return to international cricket is on the horizon as he graces the 2024 T20 World Cup stage set in the mesmerizing West Indies and the USA commencing the cricketing spectacle come June 1.