Watch: Rishabh Pant reverse-lapped Barry McCarthy for six to hit the winning runs in India's T20 World Cup opener against Ireland in New York today (June 5).
Having made his return in India colours earlier this week during their warm-up match against Bangladesh, Pant took to the field for his international comeback in the first match of India's 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. He came in during the powerplay at No.3 on a tricky wicket, when Virat Kohli was out for one caught at deep third.
Partnering Rohit Sharma in a small chase of under 100, Pant played second-fiddle to the India captain for most of the innings. After Rohit retired hurt at the end of the tenth over, however, Pant came into his own. He hit his first six off Josh Little, pulled over midwicket, before taking a boundary off Ben White in the next over.
With only six runs needed at the start of the 13th over, Pant finished the match in style, reversing his grip without moving his feet, and helping a length ball which was slanting past off-stump for a left-hander, over the wicketkeeper for six.
The shot took India to victory with 46 balls and eight wickets remaining, and gave them two points in Group A. Their next match will be against Pakistan on Sunday (June 9), again in New York on the same wicket which has drawn criticism during the first two matches played on it.
Watch: Rishabh Pant reverse-laps six to win match
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