Rishabh Pant with his 'Player of the Match' award at Old Trafford (Instagram)
On this day, a year ago, Indian wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant, set the cricketing world alight with an unforgettable knock that pivoted India to a thrilling victory in the third and final series-deciding ODI against England at Old Trafford in Manchester.
Pant's maiden ODI ton led India to a series win in England
Pant, who is currently at the NCA recuperating from the injuries sustained during a car accident in December, seized the moment and unfurled a magnificent unbeaten 125 runs from 113 balls to secure a stunning 2-1 series win over England. This audacious knock played on July 17, 2022, was a sublime balance of aggression and resilience.
Batting first, England were bundled out for 259 inside 46 overs which was a below-par score at this ground. A masterful four-wicket haul from Hardik Pandya, who used short-pitched deliveries to his advantage was the catalyst in England’s downfall. The hosts’ captain, Jos Buttler, top-scored with 60 off 80 deliveries.
India's response began on a shaky note as both opener Shikhar Dhawan & Rohit Sharma stumbled to Reece Topley's lethal left-arm seamers. Enter Rishabh Pant at No.4, a situation not unfamiliar to him in Test matches but rather new in the ODI format.
With a bleak score of 21-2 within the first five overs, Virat Kohli (17) and Suryakumar Yadav (16) were also dismissed soon after as the team was left staggering at 72/4.
That’s when Pant rose to the occasion alongside Hardik Pandya as the duo constructed a stabilizing partnership, adding 133 runs for the fifth wicket.
Following Pandya's dismissal at 71, Pant continued his audacious attack, reaching his maiden ODI century and assuring Team India a comfortable win with more than seven overs to spare. He celebrated the victory by signalling a thumbs-up gesture towards the dressing room, a gesture that has since become an iconic symbol of his match-winning knock.
Pant was rightfully honoured with the 'Player of the Match' title for his heroic efforts, while Hardik Pandya took home the 'Player of the Series' award.