The prolific India wicket-keeper batter notched up 96 runs before returning to the pavilion on the opening day of the first Test.
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India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant (96) scored at almost run-a-ball rate to put the hosts in cruise control at 357/6 on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday. Opting to bat, captain Rohit Sharma (29) and Mayank Agarwal (33) forged an opening partnership of 52 runs before the former was sent packing by in-form medium-pacer Lahiru Kumara. Sharma notched up six boundaries in his 29-ball innings while Agarwal’s cautious knock off 49 deliveries was laced up with five fours.
Following their dismissals, all-rounder Hanuma Vihari (58), displayed his composure while batting at an unusual position of No.3. He paced his innings calmly and looked hassle-free in his knock of 128 deliveries which comprised five boundaries.
Former India captain Virat Kohli, who is featuring his 100th Test, also looked in fine touch as he notched up 45 runs in 76 deliveries with five hits to the fence. The duo complimented each other in the center and forged a partnership of 90 runs for the third wicket to set the momentum for the match before losing their wicket in quick succession.
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Unperturbed by the dismissals, Pant, looked to play his natural game to pile on furthermore misery on the visitors with nine boundaries and four hits over the top. His 97-ball knock was brought to an end by the experienced medium-pacer Suranga Lakmal as he missed out on his fifth Test century by four runs.
It was the fifth time that he was sent packing in the nervous 90s. He was previously dismissed for 92 against the West Indies twice in 2018, 97 in the Sydney Test against Australia in 2021 and 91 against England in 2021. His knack off throwing away his wicket and not maintaining composure still looks to be an area to be worked upon.
However, later, Shreyar Iyer (27) contributed with an important cameo while all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja (45 not out) and Ravichandran Ashwin (10 not out) remained unbeaten when umpires called it a day.
For Sri Lanka, left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya (2/107) was the most successful bowler of the lot.
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