Sun Sep 22 04:50:55 UTC 2024: ## India’s Gill and Pant Power Through Bangladesh with a 167-Run Stand, Setting a Formidable Target
**Chennai, India** – India’s batsmen Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant orchestrated a remarkable 167-run partnership for the fourth wicket against Bangladesh in the second innings of the first Test in Chennai, setting a formidable target of 515 runs for the visitors. This impressive performance came after a disastrous first innings for India, showcasing their resilience and ability to bounce back.
The duo’s on-field banter was a highlight of the day, with Pant’s playful antics often leaving Gill slightly unsettled. “I’m playing with a bat that I used against England, so it’s quite old,” Gill revealed during the press conference, “He kept hitting my bat so hard. I told him I was trying to save it, and if he didn’t middle the ball, he’d say, ‘Let’s do it again, bro, calm down!'”
Gill, who scored his third century of 2024 and fifth overall, remained unbeaten on 119, leading India to declare their second innings at 287 for four. He attributed his recent confidence to the England series, where he scored two centuries and 452 runs in five matches.
“The England series gave me a lot of confidence,” Gill stated. “I felt it was a long time coming for me, especially batting at No. 3.”
Pant, meanwhile, contributed a blistering 109 from 128 balls at a strike rate of 85.16. He smashed 13 fours and 4 sixes before being dismissed by Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the 56th over.
With the formidable target set, India will be looking to secure a victory in the first Test and gain an early advantage in the series.
First Piper 