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Sarfaraz Khan Shines with Maiden Test Century in Dramatic Comeback Against New Zealand on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Sarfaraz Khan marked a significant milestone in his cricketing career by scoring his first Test century during the fourth day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. This achievement came after a challenging start for the Indian team, who had suffered a historic low of just 46 runs in their first innings, setting the stage for a remarkable turnaround.
A Historic Achievement
Sarfaraz Khan’s century not only showcased his talent but also placed him among an elite group of cricketers. He became the 22nd Indian and 183rd overall player to record both a duck and a century in the same Test match. The last Indian to achieve this feat was Shubman Gill against Bangladesh just a month prior. Notably, Sarfaraz is only the third Indian to score both a duck and a 150 in the same Test, following the footsteps of Shikhar Dhawan, who recorded scores of 0 and 115 against New Zealand in 2014.
Day Four Highlights
Starting the day on 70 runs, Sarfaraz displayed aggressive intent against New Zealand’s pace attack. He tackled bowlers with skillful late cuts and well-timed shots, eventually reaching his century with a boundary off Tim Southee. His innings of 150 runs off 154 balls featured 16 fours and 3 sixes, contributing significantly to India’s second innings total of 344-3 before rain interrupted play. Alongside wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who scored an unbeaten 53, Sarfaraz formed a crucial partnership of 113 runs, helping India close the gap on New Zealand’s first-innings lead of 356 runs.
Context of the Match
The match had been challenging for India from the outset. After being bowled out for their lowest-ever total at home, New Zealand took control with a first-innings score of 402, led by Rachin Ravindra’s impressive 134 runs. Despite their early struggles, Sarfaraz and Virat Kohli’s partnership of 136 runs on Day Three had provided hope for a comeback before Kohli was dismissed for 70 on the last ball of that day. As rain disrupted play on Day Four, India trailed by just 12 runs, showcasing their resilience after an abysmal start to the match. The weather conditions had initially threatened to derail India’s fightback; however, they managed to maintain momentum when play resumed.
Looking Ahead
With Sarfaraz Khan’s performance igniting hopes for an Indian victory, attention now turns to the remaining matches in this three-Test series. The second Test is set to take place in Pune next Thursday, followed by the final match in Mumbai on November 1. As India aims for a strong showing against New Zealand, Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden century serves as a beacon of hope and determination for the team moving forward.
In conclusion, Sarfaraz Khan’s remarkable innings not only solidified his place in Indian cricket history but also revitalized India’s chances in the ongoing series against New Zealand. His ability to bounce back from an initial setback exemplifies the spirit of resilience that defines great athletes and sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting continuation of this cricketing saga.
