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The first Test match between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru witnessed a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, punctuated by a remarkable moment of quick thinking and a significant milestone achieved by a rising star. The match saw India's fightback against New Zealand's dominance, fueled by a century from Sarfaraz Khan, who also played a vital role in preventing a crucial run-out.
India, after being bowled out for a paltry 46 runs in the first innings, faced an uphill battle against New Zealand's imposing lead. However, the second innings saw a resurgence from the Indian batsmen, with Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Sarfaraz Khan all scoring half-centuries. As the fourth day progressed, the focus shifted to Pant and Sarfaraz's partnership, which quickly yielded a valuable fifty runs. The runs were flowing freely for India, while the Kiwi bowlers toiled tirelessly for a breakthrough.
The tension of the match reached its peak when a near run-out opportunity presented itself for New Zealand. After playing a late cut off Matt Henry's delivery, Sarfaraz picked up a single, but Pant, eyeing a second run, took off late. With his eyes fixed on the ball, Pant's eagerness to gain ground was apparent, but Sarfaraz, ever alert, displayed remarkable agility. He jumped across the pitch with a swift movement, extending his hand to stop Pant from reaching the crease. Fortunately for Pant, Daryl Mitchell, the fielder, was well ahead of the stumps, and the throw missed its target. This moment, captured by cameras, highlighted Sarfaraz's commendable presence of mind and his instinctive desire to protect his partner.
Sarfaraz's quick intervention earned him praise and amusement from commentators. Ravi Shastri, the former Indian coach, remarked, “Sarfaraz Khan is doing a Rain Dance here.” This light-hearted comment encapsulated the captivating nature of the incident, where a potential run-out was averted through a dancer-like leap from the batsman.
Beyond his crucial contribution to the run-out avoidance, Sarfaraz Khan achieved a significant personal milestone during the match. On the fourth morning, he notched up his maiden Test century, a momentous occasion for the young batsman. He reached this milestone with a stylish punch through the covers, completing his century in just 110 deliveries. Upon reaching the landmark, Sarfaraz celebrated with unrestrained joy, holding his arms aloft and pointing his bat towards the Indian dressing room, a gesture that radiated his sense of accomplishment.
This century marked a significant achievement for Sarfaraz, making him the 22nd Indian batsman in Test history to score a duck and a century in the same Test. Earlier in the series, Shubman Gill, who missed this particular contest due to a fitness issue, had achieved the same feat in the Chennai Test against Bangladesh. Sarfaraz's performance highlighted the resilience and potential of the Indian batting lineup. Despite New Zealand's dominant performance in the first innings, India's response, fueled by Sarfaraz's century and contributions from Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, demonstrated their fighting spirit and their ability to overcome challenges.
The first Test match between India and New Zealand ended with New Zealand holding a significant 356-run lead, thanks to a stellar century from Rachin Ravindra in the first innings. However, India's fightback, spearheaded by Sarfaraz Khan's maiden Test century and his crucial intervention in preventing a run-out, provided moments of excitement and drama that left fans on the edge of their seats. The match served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of Test cricket and showcased the individual brilliance and team spirit that make the sport so compelling.