Sarfaraz Khan’s Maiden Test Century Sparks India’s Comeback Against New Zealand in Bengaluru

Sarfaraz Khan achieved a major milestone in his cricketing career by scoring his maiden Test century during the first Test match against New Zealand, which began on October 18, 2024, in Bengaluru. His innings was not only a personal triumph but also a crucial contribution to India’s fightback in the match.

India’s Struggles and Sarfaraz’s Moment

India faced a daunting task in the second innings after being bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings, while New Zealand posted a commanding 402, giving them a 356-run lead. Sarfaraz Khan stepped up when India needed him most, with his century coming at a critical point as India tried to close the gap.

Sarfaraz’s aggressive knock of 125 runs off 154 balls, including 16 fours and three sixes, was instrumental in guiding India to 344-3 before rain interrupted play. His innings came at a time when India was still trailing by 12 runs, but it gave the team much-needed hope.

A moment Sarfaraz Khan will remember forever! ☺️

He is jubilant, Rishabh Pant applauds & the dressing room on its feet! 👏 👏

Live ▶️ https://t.co/8qhNBrrtDF#TeamIndia | #INDvNZ | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/pwt12jHfND

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 19, 2024

A Key Partnership with Rishabh Pant

Sarfaraz Khan’s impressive innings was complemented by a strong partnership with Rishabh Pant. Together, they shared an unbeaten 113-run stand for the fourth wicket, with Pant contributing 53 runs. The duo's aggressive batting saw them score 100 runs in just 120 balls, helping shift the momentum back in India’s favor. Their partnership was a key moment in the match, and it showcased their ability to handle pressure.

A Milestone Moment for Sarfaraz

This century was a special moment for Sarfaraz, marking his first international hundred in just his fifth Test match. What made this achievement even more unique was that Sarfaraz joined a rare group of Indian players who have scored both a duck and a century in the same Test match, making it the 22nd such instance in Indian cricket history.

After reaching his century, Sarfaraz celebrated with pure joy, pointing his bat toward the dressing room, a moment that quickly spread across social media, drawing praise from cricket fans and experts alike. His celebration reflected not just the relief of achieving this personal milestone, but also the satisfaction of contributing significantly to his team’s fightback.

Impact on the Match and the Team

Sarfaraz’s century was more than just a number on the scoreboard—it was a turning point in the match. His ability to bat under pressure, especially after India’s poor first-innings performance, boosted the morale of the entire team. His innings demonstrated his skill, patience, and temperament, all of which are key qualities for a Test cricketer.

Many fans and analysts believe that this performance could cement Sarfaraz’s place in India’s Test squad, promising more impactful contributions in the future. His ability to rise to the occasion has shown that he has the potential to be a valuable asset to the team.

Conclusion: Sarfaraz Khan’s Rising Star

Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden Test century will be remembered as a pivotal moment in his cricketing journey. His knock against New Zealand in Bengaluru not only brought India back into the match but also solidified his standing as a promising talent in Indian cricket. As fans celebrated his achievement, there is a growing sense that Sarfaraz has much more to offer in the future, and his innings in this Test is just the beginning.