The second Test match between India and New Zealand, currently unfolding at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, has seen its fair share of intense moments and high-stakes action. Day 2, Friday, October 25, witnessed a pivotal moment when New Zealand’s talented all-rounder Glenn Phillips dismissed India’s wicketkeeper-batter, Rishabh Pant, for 18 runs, marking a crucial turn in the game and putting India under considerable pressure in the series-deciding clash.
Glenn Phillips Dismisses Rishabh Pant for 18 in IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test
After India’s batting lineup faced early blows, Rishabh Pant walked to the crease, giving fans and teammates a glimmer of hope as he looked to stabilize the innings. Rishabh Pant, who had shown promising form in the first Test in Bengaluru, appeared to carry that rhythm into Pune, quickly settling in and finding the boundary twice, adding 18 brisk runs to India’s total. Coming in after the dismissal of Indian captain Virat Kohli by New Zealand’s left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner, Pant displayed a confident approach with his trademark attacking shots, reminding spectators why he is regarded as one of India’s most exciting young talents.
However, the turning point came in the 31st over, when Glenn Phillips, known for his versatility and knack for producing breakthroughs, bowled the second ball of the over to Pant. The 27-year-old all-rounder pitched the delivery just short of a length, tempting Rishabh Pant to go for an expansive swipe across the line. In an attempt to send the ball to the fence, Pant swung hard, but the bounce on the pitch deceived him. The ball stayed unexpectedly low, sneaking under Pant’s bat and crashing into the stumps. His aggressive approach had proved costly as he walked back to the pavilion, and bowled for a quick-fire 18 off 19 balls, a dismissal that left India reeling at 83/5.
Phillips’ wicket of Rishabh Pant was a significant blow to India’s hopes, especially after Kohli’s dismissal. New Zealand’s bowlers, notably Santner and Phillips, have been able to exploit the pitch conditions in Pune effectively, unsettling India’s batting order. With Pant’s departure, India’s situation became precarious, and Sarfaraz Khan was called upon to steady the ship. Sarfaraz, known for his domestic prowess, joined Ajinkya Rahane at the crease, facing the challenge of preventing further damage to India’s lineup.
New Zealand’s bowlers executed a well-coordinated plan, maintaining tight lines and targeting India’s key batters with disciplined bowling. Phillips, who took Rishabh Pant’s prized wicket, demonstrated his effectiveness as an all-rounder. Known initially for his batting prowess, Phillips’ ability to contribute with the ball has added depth to New Zealand’s squad. The way he dismissed Pant highlights his skill and adaptability, which have proven essential in challenging conditions.
This dismissal has shifted the momentum back to New Zealand, leaving India in a challenging position. Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting approach, though often effective in shifting pressure back onto the bowlers, proved detrimental on this occasion. His dismissal at 83/5 left India in a critical phase, with a significant need for stability from the middle and lower order to build a defendable total.
With two days remaining in the second Test, the match’s outcome remains uncertain, with both sides capable of turning the tide. Phillips’ dismissal of Rishabh Pant could very well be remembered as one of the defining moments of the match, as New Zealand aims to capitalize on their momentum. The series hangs in balance, with the Pune crowd and cricket fans worldwide eager to see if India can stage a comeback or if New Zealand will press forward to claim the upper hand in this three-match Test series.
