WATCH: Rishabh Pant smashes STUNNING six off Pat Cummins in Perth Test

New Delhi: Rishabh Pant walked in at a crucial moment with India struggling at 32/3, but he quickly lifted the mood at Optus Stadium with some entertaining strokes, showcasing his trademark flair despite the tense situation.

Rishabh Pant played a vital knock of 37 runs off 78 balls, featuring three boundaries and a stunning six, which was the first of the match for India. His shot lit up the crowd and injected some much-needed momentum into the innings before he was dismissed.

In the 42nd over, Pat Cummins took the ball, aiming to dismiss Rishabh Pant and end the growing partnership between Pant and debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy. However, Pant started the over in style, sending Cummins’ first delivery sailing over the boundary for a six, showcasing his aggressive intent.

As only Rishabh Pant can do! 6️⃣#AUSvIND | #PlayOfTheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/vupPuWA8GG

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2024

Pant lost his balance after playing a powerful shot in the 42nd over, causing him to fall to the ground. Despite this, the shot had enough power to sail over the boundary for six, adding valuable runs to India’s score.

Pat Cummins eventually dismissed Rishabh Pant in the 46th over, with Pant edging the ball to Steve Smith at second slip. Pant’s innings of 37 runs off 78 balls, which included three boundaries and a memorable six, came to an end.

Pant was the second-highest scorer for India in their first innings, behind Nitish Kumar Reddy, who contributed 41 runs. Despite some resistance, India was ultimately dismissed for just 150 runs. The Aussies wrapped up India’s innings efficiently, leaving them with a challenging task ahead.

Josh Hazlewood was the standout bowler for Australia, taking four wickets, while Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh each claimed two wickets in India’s collapse. The pacers effectively dismantled India’s batting lineup, reducing them to a modest total of 150 in the first innings.