India’s tour of Australia in 2020-21 produced several memorable moments, but few matched the drama of the final day at the Gabba in Brisbane. With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on the line and a depleted
Indian side facing a challenging target, Rishabh Pant delivered an innings that became one of the defining moments of his career.
This is Test cricket. This is India 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳
Amazing scenes as they win the series thanks to a performance from Rishabh Pant that defies belief 🤯
Australia lose at the Gabba for the first time since 1988!!! https://t.co/hXmNTz96ZJ
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) January 19, 2021
India entered the fourth and final Test with the series level at 1-1. Australia had dominated at the Gabba for decades, having not lost a Test at the venue since 1988. The hosts strengthened their position by scoring 369 in the first innings, with Marnus Labuschagne making 108. India responded with 336, thanks largely to Shardul Thakur’s 67 and Washington Sundar’s 62. Australia then scored 294 in their second innings, setting India a target of 328 on the final day. Chasing that total against a quality Australian bowling attack was a difficult task, particularly with the series at stake.
Rishabh Pant leads India’s historic Gabba chase
#TeamIndia win the Gabba Test by 3 wickets. Rishabh Pant shines with a match-winning 89*.
Scorecard – https://t.co/bSiJ4wW9ej #AUSvIND https://t.co/AfrfOiRyUy
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 19, 2021
India began the final innings positively through Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. After Rohit’s early dismissal, Gill played an impressive knock of 91 off 146 balls, while Cheteshwar Pujara stood firm at the other end with a patient 56 from 211 deliveries. Their contributions kept India in the match, but the situation remained finely balanced.
Pant arrived at the crease and gradually shifted the momentum. He initially played with caution before finding opportunities to attack Nathan Lyon and the Australian fast bowlers. Even after Pujara departed, the left-hander continued to take the fight to the hosts. He received useful support from Mayank Agarwal and Washington Sundar, whose 53-run partnership with Pant brought India closer to victory. With the target within reach, Pant took responsibility for guiding the lower order through the tense final overs.
He eventually finished unbeaten on 89 off 138 balls, striking nine fours and one six. Pant hit the winning boundary off Josh Hazlewood in the 97th over as India reached 329/7, completing a remarkable three-wicket victory. The win secured a 2-1 series triumph and ended Australia’s 32-year unbeaten run at the Gabba. Pant was named Player of the Match for his decisive contribution, while India retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
