T20 World Cup 2024: Rashid Khan scalps first T20I wicket against India during pivotal Super Eight clash

It's intriguing that a bowler of Rashid Khan's caliber, capable of altering the course of a game in any format and under any circumstances, was wicketless in T20Is against India ahead of their Super Eight clash. However, in his third T20I encounter against India, he not only dismissed the formidable Rishabh Pant, who was looking dangerous after stroking four boundaries, but also secured his maiden T20I wicket against the high-flying Indian team.

This incident unfolded in the seventh over of the match, marking Rashid Khan's introduction following the powerplay. The first six was relatively fruitful for India, accumulating 47/1, including a final over that yielded 13 runs, during which Pant struck three of his four boundaries off Nabi, appearing poised for a substantial knock in the making.

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Rashid entered the attack and immediately displayed his formidable prowess, fizzing through the crease with utmost energy and zeal. He conceded only three runs in his initial five deliveries, despite a leg-bye that inadvertently reached the boundary. The final ball of his over proved decisive, as Pant's dismissal was precipitated by a questionable shot choice - a failed attempt at a reverse-sweep, where he misjudged the length of the delivery, and got caught plumb in front.

Pant, seemingly in a state of desperation, opted to challenge the decision upstairs, only to return disheartened to the pavilion when the third umpire confirmed his dismissal. The ball-tracking technology illustrated that the delivery would go on to strike the off-stump.

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This was the leg-spinning all-rounder's first wicket against India, who eventually ended his quota after being the pick of the bowlers for his side, registering splendid figures of 3/26.