Cricket

Rishabh Pant's Reverse Scoop Stuns on 'Dangerous' New York PitchIn the inaugural match of the T20 World Cup 2022, India's swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant showcased his trademark reverse scoop shot, leaving fans and experts alike in awe. Despite the highly criticized pitch at the Nassau Stadium in New York, which was deemed "bordering on dangerous" by former Zimbabwe skipper Andy Flower, Pant executed the audacious shot with aplomb, hitting the winning six off pacer Barry McCarthy.The pitch, which was described as a "witch" by commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu, drew widespread criticism from the cricketing fraternity. Former England captain Michael Vaughan labeled it a "sub-standard surface," while Flower expressed concerns about its safety. However, Pant's fearless display of skill and audacity provided a moment of brilliance amidst the controversy.Pant's reverse scoop, a shot that involves scooping the ball over the wicketkeeper's head with the bat facing backward, has become synonymous with his aggressive batting style. The shot requires exceptional hand-eye coordination and timing, and Pant's execution of it on a challenging pitch was a testament to his skill and confidence.The Indian team, led by skipper Rohit Sharma, overwhelmed Ireland by 8 wickets in their opening match. Sharma made a solid 52 before retiring hurt, while Pant's unbeaten 36 guided India to victory in the 13th over. India's bowlers also impressed, with left-arm quick Arshdeep Singh striking twice in the third over and all-rounder Hardik Pandya taking two wickets in two balls. Jasprit Bumrah, who was named player of the match, claimed 2-6.India's next challenge will be against arch-rivals Pakistan at the same venue on Sunday. The match is expected to be a high-octane affair, and Pant's reverse scoop could once again be a decisive factor.

Rishabh Pant's audacious reverse scoop off Marcus Stoinis stole the show in Delhi Capitals' emphatic six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Friday.Pant's blistering knock of 41 runs off just 24 deliveries played a pivotal role in Delhi's successful chase of Lucknow's 167 for 7. However, it was his audacious stroke against Stoinis that left fans and commentators in awe.In the 12th over of Delhi's run-chase, Pant reversed his bat at the last moment to guide Stoinis' delivery over the third-man boundary. The shot, which showcased Pant's exceptional hand-eye coordination and improvisation, drew a wide smile from Delhi Capitals' director of cricket, Sourav Ganguly, who was watching the replays on the big screen.Pant's innings was a masterclass in aggressive batting. He smashed four boundaries and two sixes, including a towering hit over long-on off Avesh Khan. His dismissal by Ravi Bishnoi while attempting a big shot prevented him from reaching a half-century.Despite Pant's departure, Delhi cruised to victory with 11 balls to spare. Prithvi Shaw (34) and David Warner (26) provided a solid start, while Rovman Powell (35 not out) and Axar Patel (22 not out) finished the job with an unbeaten 53-run partnership.For Lucknow, Stoinis was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2 for 27. Avesh Khan and Bishnoi also chipped in with two wickets each.The victory was Delhi's second in three matches, while Lucknow suffered their first defeat of the season.