Rishabh Pant Sri Lanka Test has once again turned the spotlight on himself in Test cricket. During the ongoing India vs Sri Lanka first Test in Galle, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter created history by becoming the first Indian cricketer to hit 100 sixes in Test cricket.
Pant reached the landmark on Day 4 while playing an explosive second-innings knock of 66 runs from just 69 balls. His aggressive innings helped India stretch their advantage and set Sri Lanka a daunting target of 372 runs.
Rishabh Pant Becomes First Indian to Hit 100 Test Sixes
How did Rishabh Pant make history in Galle?
Rishabh Pant Sri Lanka Test needing three sixes to reach 100 Test maximums. After adding one six in India’s first innings, he needed two more in the second innings.
He delivered when India needed quick runs.
Pant smashed Lahiru Kumara for his 100th Test six during the second session on Day 4, reaching the milestone in his 89th Test innings and 51st Test match. He is now only the fourth batter in men’s Test history to reach 100 sixes.
The record also has another remarkable detail: Pant reached 100 Test sixes faster than anyone before him. The previous benchmark was held by Ben Stokes, who needed 82 Tests to reach the milestone.
Pant’s 66 Gives India the Push They Needed
How did Pant perform against Sri Lanka?
Pant’s second innings was precisely the kind of counter-attacking performance that has become his trademark.
After scoring 39 in the first innings, Pant returned with a much more aggressive approach. He reached his half-century from only 53 balls before finishing with 66 from 69 deliveries.
His innings included the six that completed his historic milestone and helped India move towards a commanding position.
India were eventually dismissed for 193 in their second innings, but their first-innings lead of 178 runs meant Sri Lanka were set an imposing 372-run target.
India Put Sri Lanka Under Massive Pressure
Can Sri Lanka chase 372 in Galle?
Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a difficult start. By the close of Day 4, the hosts had slipped to 84/4, leaving them with 288 runs still required for victory. India’s bowlers had already made significant inroads into the Sri Lankan top order.
The Galle surface is also expected to become increasingly challenging as the match progresses, making India’s substantial target even more significant.
For India, the immediate objective is clear: finish the job and take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Rishabh Pant’s Test Record Continues to Grow
Where does Pant stand among Test six-hitters?
Pant is now fourth on the all-time list for Test sixes, behind Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum and Adam Gilchrist. His achievement is particularly notable because he has reached the mark in dramatically fewer matches than the previous record holders.
The milestone adds another chapter to Pant’s already remarkable Test career. His ability to change the momentum of a match in a matter of overs remains one of his biggest strengths.
There was criticism after his first-innings dismissal, with questions raised about his shot selection. But his response in the second innings was emphatic: attack, score quickly and put India firmly in control.
What Happens Next in the India vs Sri Lanka Test?
Will India complete the victory in Galle?
Sri Lanka face a steep final challenge after India established a 372-run target and removed four wickets before stumps.
India will now look to finish the match early on Day 5, while Sri Lanka must produce a major batting effort to pull off what would be a remarkable chase.
Whatever happens next, August 18 will already be remembered as another landmark day for Rishabh Pant.
The Indian star has become the first Indian to hit 100 Test sixes and the fastest player in history to reach the milestone, adding yet another record to his name during India’s Sri Lanka Test campaign.
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