news-engine

IND vs SL: Rishabh Pant Throws Away His Wicket for 39, KL Rahul joins Padikkal Rishabh Pant's aggressive instincts once again proved to be a double-edged sword as the Indian wicketkeeper-batter threw away his wicket during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Pant was dismissed for 39 off 62 balls, ending what had been a promising stay at the crease. His innings included four fours and a six. Pant's dismissal came against Sri Lankan debutant Keshara Nuwantha, who picked up his maiden Test wicket in memorable fashion. The right-arm off-spinner had already been identified as one of Sri Lanka's potential weapons in Galle, with the hosts opting for a spin-heavy attack on a surface expected to offer assistance as the Test progressed. The dismissal itself was a classic example of Pant's attacking approach going wrong. He charged down the pitch looking to take on Nuwantha and attack the ball. However, he failed to maintain his shape through the shot and only managed to get the bottom of the bat on the delivery. The ball went up in the air and Sonal Dinusha completed a superb catch. For Nuwantha, it was a significant moment in his Test debut. The 25-year-old off-spinner who is making his debut, had already impressed in the build-up to the series. He had taken wickets against India in the warm-up game, including the dismissals of KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Pant. Despite Pant's dismissal, India sit pretty in the 1st Test as they are 318/3 at the time of publishing this article. Devdutt Padikkal has been joined by KL Rahul, who went off retired hurt yesterday. Padikkal bats on 145 while Rahul has resumed well and bats on 81.