NEW DELHI: Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant showcased their batting prowess with impressive fifties, propelling India to 205 for three at lunch on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh. Gill, unbeaten on 86, and Pant, not out on 82, have formed a 138-run partnership for the fourth wicket. India, who started the day at 81 for three, now have an overall lead of 432 runs.
Gill, who resumed on 33, and Pant, who began from 12, capitalized on Bangladesh's inability to exploit the morning's cool, damp conditions. They played with sensible shot selection to dominate the session.
Gill's minimalist approach shone through as he played several elegant shots. His short-arm pull and punch through the covers, particularly executed against Nahid Rana and Mahmud Hasan, were effective if unconventional.
Gill reached his fifty off 79 balls, continuing his steady adaptation to Test cricket and looking poised for a bigger score.
Pant, returning to Test cricket after more than a year, also marked his comeback with a solid fifty after being dismissed cheaply in the first innings. He started cautiously, aiming to settle in before accelerating.
The momentum shifted when Pant pulled off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for a boundary just after the first drinks break. This seemed to ignite Pant's aggressive side, especially against Miraz, as he reached his fifty off 88 balls.
After crossing the fifty mark, Pant brought out his signature aggressive shots. His movement around the crease was captivating, particularly a swept six over fine leg off Mahmud that delighted the weekend crowd.
Pant had a lucky escape when he was dropped on 72 by Najmul Hossain Shanto off Shakib Al Hasan. India added 124 runs in the session.
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