Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions set Delhi Daredevils an extremely tough target of 209, but Daredevils were not ready to cede ground at home as youngsters Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson made a mockery of it.
Delhi went on to win the match with 15 balls remaining as the duo put up a partnership of 142 runs in 63 balls. Kerala batsman Samson smashed 61 off 31 balls, while the hero-of-the-match and local lad Pant cracked 97 off 43 balls.
Pant hit 6 fours and 9 sixes during his match-winning innings, which is also the highest score by teenager in IPL history.
‘Master Blaster’ Sachin Tendulkar was so impressed with the innings that he called it “one of the best” in IPL history.
One of the best Innings I have seen in the IPL & that includes all 10 seasons. @RishabPant777 pic.twitter.com/SGv3YuXwJ5
— sachin tendulkar (@sachin_rt) May 4, 2017
Other cricketers were equally impressed with Pant and his batting skills.
Pant-storm in Delhi #IPL
— Rohit Sharma (@ImRo45) May 4, 2017
Rishabh pant,Sanju Samson …tonite wow..keep an eye on them teams …they are special..
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) May 4, 2017
Brilliant innings from two talented young batsmen #sanjusamson & @RishabPant777 👏👏Loved their positivity,skill and fearless approach👌 #IPL
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) May 4, 2017
Strike when the iron is hot. Play a youngster when he’s in Red Hot Form. I’d pick Pant for the Champions Trophy. Will you? #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 4, 2017
Doesn’t get much better #Pant #DDvGL #IPL
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) May 4, 2017
Love batsman with tremendous belief in themselves which is backed by a special ability for ball hitting.Extra Special today frm Rishabh Pant
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) May 4, 2017
The MS Dhoni comparisons followed…
Left Handed Dhoni in making…,superb clean hitter of ball #pant @RishabPant777 #ipl
— Kumar Abhishek (@iamabhishek1995) May 4, 2017
#IPL has produced the new Dhoni for Indian Cricket.Pant is wicket keeper & batsman.#DDvGL pic.twitter.com/XdFqNxhLm2
— Yogi Adityanath (@aquarius_ankit) May 4, 2017
He is 19 and he smashed all most all the bowlers😀😀take a bow Rishabh pant…. Nd great thnks to dravid to show these talents
— RAINA’S Preetha (@PreethaRaina3) May 4, 2017
Rishabh Pant is the best MSD replacement in shorter formats.
A Wk who can clear any ground with ease.One Fearless fellow👏.#DDvGL #IPL— Kuldeep Patil (@hashtagkp16) May 4, 2017
Rishabh Pant has some serious talent. #DDvGL
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) May 4, 2017
Rishabh pant for Champions trophy is confirmed #CT17
— Virat kohli (@LiyakatDayar) May 4, 2017
Spectacular hitting by Pant and very heartening to see Raina appreciate Pant after that innings…
— …. (@ynakg) May 4, 2017
The vital win means DD continue to stay in contention for the playoffs.
Feature Image: BCCI
