[Watch] Ishan Kishan slams two sixes to finish the run chase in Jharkhand's two-wicket win over Madhya PradeshÂ
Indian wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan showed nerves of steel to guide Jharkhand to a nervy two-wicket win over Madhya Pradesh in the Buchi Babu Tournament. The left-handed batter remained unbeaten till the end of the run chase, and scored two sixes in three deliveries to close out the game.
The Buchi Babu tournament marks Ishan Kishan's return to the domestic circuit. He was left out of the central contract list earlier this year, and he is hoping to make a comeback on the national side with some consistent showings. He made a solid start by taking a sharp catch and scoring a hundred in the first innings.
Jharkhand had amassed a crucial first innings lead and were handed a target of 175 in the final innings. The Ishan Kishan-led side began Day 4 of the contest at 37-1.
The southpaw walked out to bat with Jharkhand scoring more than half of the target. He held one end as wickets started falling at regular intervals. With 12 required for a win, and two wickets in hand, Kishan was up against left-arm spinner Akash Rajawat.
After seeing out the first delivery, Kishan scored a brilliant slog sweep over square leg to bring the target within reach. He finished off in style by scoring another slog sweep towards the mid-wicket region to wrap up proceedings. Have a look at the twin sixes right here:
Kishan ended up with an unbeaten 41 runs off 58 deliveries to hand Jharkhand a win to kickstart their campaign.
Ishan Kishan had scored successive sixes in the first innings to bring up his century
In a similar fashion like he chose to end the contest, Kishan had scored two successive sixes against right-arm off-spinner Adheer Pratap Singh to register his hundred in the first innings.
He brought up his ton in just 86 balls and finished with 114 runs off 107 deliveries. The innings turned out to be the game-changer as it helped Jharkhand gain a sizeable lead.
The left-handed batter would hope that his recent exploits are noticed by the selectors ahead of India's home season. However, he faces stiff competition from other wicket-keeper batters who have flourished in his absence.