On a fine Saturday (October 19), cricket fans witnessed an unforgettable moment during the fourth day of the ongoing India vs New Zealand first Test match. The occasion was monumental for the talented right-handed batter Sarfaraz Khan, who achieved a remarkable feat that had eluded him – his maiden international Test century. This significant milestone was celebrated with exuberance as Sarfaraz achieved his century in style, completing it with a brisk back foot punch through the covers. The boundary came off the third delivery of the 57th over, bowled by New Zealand’s experienced pacer Tim Southee.
This performance was not just about the runs; it was about the resilience and determination that Sarfaraz Khan displayed. His innings infused vitality into India’s efforts on the field, with spectators at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru roaring in cheer. As the Indian team looked to overcome New Zealand’s impressive first innings total, Sarfaraz’s contribution in bridging the gap was substantial, reducing the deficit with finesse and ardor.
The 26-year-old batter showcased his skillful batting prowess against the Kiwi bowlers, ensuring they never dictated terms during India’s second innings. His knock was a masterclass in counterattacking cricket, demonstrating his ability to handle international-level pressure with aplomb. Partnering with the former India captain, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz anchored a crucial 136-run partnership for the third wicket. This collaboration not only stabilized India’s innings but also put New Zealand’s bowling lineup under significant pressure, forcing them onto the defensive.
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The celebration of the century symbolized not only a personal achievement for Sarfaraz but also a continuation of India’s rich legacy in cricket excellence. In doing so, Sarfaraz joined an exclusive club by becoming only the second Indian cricketer to score both a duck and a century in the same Test match against New Zealand, echoing the feat achieved by the former Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan in 2014 at Eden Park, Auckland, where Dhawan recorded scores of 0 and 115.
Having appeared in just his fourth Test match for India, Sarfaraz Khan has been steadily cementing his place within the national squad. This Test hundred adds to his growing list of fifty-plus scores in Test cricket, following scores of 62, 68*, and 56, achieved against England in Rajkot and Dharamsala during his debut series earlier in the year.
India’s playing XI for this Test includes an assemblage of talent led by captain Rohit Sharma, featuring Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Sarfaraz Khan, wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, with a fearsome pace attack comprising Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj.
For New Zealand, the playing XI, spearheaded by captain Tom Latham, includes Devon Conway, Will Young, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and a bowling unit featuring Matt Henry, Tim Southee, Ajaz Patel, and William O’Rourke.
As the match progresses, all eyes remain on Sarfaraz Khan, who has breathed new life into India’s hopes of clinching a victory in this Test. His commanding presence and celebratory roar upon reaching his century have left an indelible mark on this match, thrilling fans and reaffirming his potential as one of India’s rising stars in international cricket.
The stage is set for an exciting conclusion, with India in a promising position due to Sarfaraz’s outstanding knock. The cricketing fraternity continues to watch eagerly, as this young cricketer forges ahead, turning opportunity into achievement and dreams into reality on the international stage.
