India’s resurgence in the first Test against New Zealand gained further momentum on Saturday, thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s maiden Test century, which helped India reach 344 for three at lunch on Day Four.
Sarfaraz, unbeaten on 125 from 154 balls, was ably supported by Rishabh Pant, who contributed 53 from 56 deliveries before rain forced an early lunch.
Resuming the day on 231 for three and trailing New Zealand by 125 runs, India has now narrowed the deficit to just 12 runs, positioning themselves in a strong spot.
Sarfaraz and Pant’s unbeaten 113-run stand for the fourth wicket in 22 overs has placed the hosts in command, with the New Zealand bowlers struggling to make any headway.
Pant’s return to the crease following a knee injury, sustained while keeping on Day Two, would have provided some relief to the Indian camp, and his partnership with Sarfaraz ensured that India continued to dominate.
However, it was Sarfaraz who stole the show during the first session. Resuming on 70, the Mumbai batsman displayed remarkable composure, adapting brilliantly to the overcast conditions and nullifying New Zealand’s bowling attack.
India added 63 runs before the first drinks break, largely due to Sarfaraz’s fluent strokeplay.
Sarfaraz’s innings was a masterclass in control and placement. His use of the late cut against the seamers was particularly impressive, with 40 of his first 100 runs coming in the arc between point and third man.
When the spinners were introduced, he deftly swept and nudged deliveries between square leg and fine leg, adding another 39 runs in that region.
New Zealand captain Tom Latham struggled to set the right field for the in-form batsman, as Sarfaraz appeared to be pulling the strings at will.
The landmark moment of his innings came when he reached his century with a stylish backfoot punch through the covers off Tim Southee, prompting jubilant celebrations from the young batsman.
Pant, meanwhile, made a cautious start following his injury and was involved in a near run-out after a mix-up with Sarfaraz, only for a wayward throw from wicketkeeper Tom Blundell to save him. However, once he settled, Pant unleashed his aggressive style, smashing two sixes off left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel.
The left-hander brought up his half-century with a crisp cover drive off Glenn Phillips, scoring 50 off just 55 balls. As the partnership flourished, the duo guided India to a commanding position before rain halted play at 11:01 am, with India adding 113 runs in the session.
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