Sarfaraz Khan hit his maiden Test century in an intense Day 4 of the Test match between India and New Zealand, leading India’s charge with Rishabh Pant at his side. Their impressive partnership narrowed India’s deficit to just 12 runs by lunch. The fourth day saw India at 344 for 3, powered by Sarfaraz’s century and Pant’s blazing half-century. The crowd was left anticipating what would unfold next as rain interrupted the action.
Sarfaraz Khan Shines with Maiden Test Hundred
The day began with Sarfaraz Khan taking control, showing his class and confidence from the beginning. After quickly settling in, he dispatched William O’Rourke for boundaries, followed by a dab through gully off Matt Henry. Sarfaraz’s aggressive approach paid off, as he reached his hundred with a stylish punch through cover.
Highlights,
Player | Runs | Balls Faced | 4s | 6s |
---|---|---|---|---|
Sarfaraz Khan | 125* | 180 | 18 | 2 |
Rishabh Pant | 53* | 78 | 4 | 3 |
Virat Kohli | 70 | 120 | 9 | 0 |
Sarfaraz’s ability to handle the outside-off stump line with flicks, uppercuts, and dabs frustrated New Zealand’s bowlers. His calculated aggression, combined with moments of caution, allowed him to build a solid innings. This was a defining moment for the young cricketer, who seems poised for more success in the future.
Pant Provides the Firepower
Rishabh Pant’s aggressive batting perfectly complements Sarfaraz’s measured approach. Pant started cautiously but soon found his rhythm, launching an attack against Tim Southee with a towering six straight down the ground. His treatment of Ajaz Patel was particularly severe, as he smashed two sixes and a four in a single over. This helped maintain a healthy scoring rate, even when Sarfaraz shifted gears to a more conservative style.
New Zealand Struggles to Break Through
New Zealand’s bowlers found it difficult to make breakthroughs, with Ajaz Patel delivering the only maiden over in the first 48 minutes of play. While the Black Caps did manage to keep Sarfaraz quiet briefly, they struggled overall. There were moments of hope for New Zealand, such as a couple of leg-before appeals and a close call for a run-out due to miscommunication between Pant and Sarfaraz, but they couldn’t capitalize.
India’s Innings So Far,
Team | Score | Overs | Wickets | Trail By |
---|---|---|---|---|
India | 344/3 | 105.2 | 3 | 12 |
Rain Halts Play
Unfortunately, the weather gods weren’t kind, as rain brought an early end to the session after just 105 minutes of play. India was commanding at lunch, with Sarfaraz still unbeaten at 125* and Pant providing strong support at 53*. The game now hinges on the weather and how long New Zealand can hold off India’s charge once play resumes.
Brief Scores
- India: 46 and 344/3 (Sarfaraz Khan 125*, Virat Kohli 70, Rishabh Pant 53*; Ajaz Patel 2-100)
- New Zealand: 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3-72)
Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden century has provided India with a much-needed boost, narrowing the deficit to just 12 runs. With Pant continuing his aggressive approach, India seems poised to overtake New Zealand’s total once play resumes. As rain interrupts the match, the focus will be on how long India can maintain this momentum and whether New Zealand can strike back in time,