Team India wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant, who was named Man of the Match for his whirlwind century against England in the third ODI, said he will remember this special knock for the rest of his life.
“Hopefully, I remember (this knock) for the rest of my life. I was focusing on one ball at a time when I was batting. When your team is under pressure and you bat like that… something I aspire to do.
“I always enjoy playing in England, and at the same time enjoy the atmosphere and the situation. The more you play the more experience you gain,” Pant said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
A scintillating century from Rishabh Pant (125*) and all-around performance with the bat and ball from Hardik Pandya powered India to a terrific 5-wicket win over England to take the series 2-1 in the third ODI at Manchester on Sunday (July 17).
Post the game, Hardik, who grabbed 4-24 with the ball and came up with a crucial knock of 71 off 55, said it was special to contribute in all the departments.
“How I felt with my performance, obviously very good. It’s always special to contribute in all the departments. That has given me a lot of confidence in the past. When I’m able to do that, it adds more layers to my game,” said Hardik in the post-match press conference.
Hardik showered praise on wicket-keeper batter Pant for his match-winning century and their crucial 133-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
“Rishabh obviously he paced it and it was very important for us, that partnership as well and obviously the way he finished. We all know what kind of talent he has, it’s just when it comes out it’s very pleasing to the eye and your heartbeat goes up, but at the same time it gives your eyeballs (a treat) as well, you’re in awe of the kind of shots he plays,” said Pandya.
The all-rounder further felt elated about beating one of the strongest teams in the world in white ball cricket.
“A team like England who have been fantastic throughout the last couple of years, and you see the kind of approach, everyone found that England were one of the best teams in the world. You know, to come here and perform and win is more important because that challenges you as a player, that challenges you as a team and as a group. So for me, and the whole group, everyone is very proud of everyone who contributed,” the 28-year-old said.
Pant becomes first Asian wicketkeeper to score century in Test and ODI on English soil
During the course of his match-winning unbeaten 125-run knock against England, Rishabh Pant became the first Asian wicket-keeper batter to score a century in Test as well as the 50-over format on English soil. Pant hit the winning runs with a boundary to help India over the line with 7.5 overs to spare.
