[Watch] Rishabh Pant nails a helicopter shot for massive six in IND vs SL 1st T20I
Rishabh Pant nailed a helicopter shot for six in the opening T20I between India and Sri Lanka at Pallekele on Saturday, July 27. The wicketkeeper-batter initially looked sluggish, scoring 20 off 23 balls before unleashing his attacking game. The monstrous six helped him shift gears.
The maximum came in the 16th over of India’s innings. Asitha Fernando bowled a full toss and Pant brought his wrists into play to hit the helicopter shot. The ball went to a fair distance into the stands over deep mid-wicket.
Sharing the video on X, official broadcaster Sony Sports Network wrote:
"Wicket-keepers and their love for helicopters."
Watch the video below:
Rishabh Pant scored 49 runs off 33 balls with the help of one maximum and six boundaries. With the knock, he also returned to form after managing scores of 0, 4, and 15 at the 2024 T20 World Cup. The left-hander also shared a 76-run partnership with captain Suryakumar Yadav for the third wicket. During his knock, Pant also completed 5,000 runs in T20s.
Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant help India set a 214-run target against Sri Lanka in T20I opener
A clinical batting display from Suryakumar Yadav and Rishabh Pant helped India post 213/7 against Sri Lanka in the opening T20I. Yadav led from the front, scoring 58 runs off 26 balls with the help of two sixes and eight boundaries.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill also chipped in with scores of 40 (21) and 34 (16), respectively. Axar Patel (10 off 5) hit a six off the last ball to provide a perfect finish for the Men in Blue.
Matheesha Pathirana starred with the ball for Sri Lanka, returning with excellent figures of 4/40 in his four overs. Meanwhile, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka and Wanindu Hasaranga bagged one wicket apiece.
The two teams will next face off in the second T20I at the same venue on Sunday, July 28.
Follow the IND vs SL 1st T20I live score and updates here.