On the fourth day of the first Test match between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday, October 19, Sarfaraz Khan achieved his first international century.
Later this year, Sarfaraz reached the enchanted three-figure milestone after smashing three half-centuries against England in his first series. He smacked 150 off 195 balls, striking 18 fours and three sixes. The 26-year-old declared his joy at the conclusion of Day 5 and stated that scoring a Test century has always been his goal.
“It was really satisfying. It seemed like the grass was blue instead of green as I was celebrating my centennial. I had the impression that I was in the skies. I was overjoyed. In a brief video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sarfaraz stated, “It was my dream to score a hundred for India, and it came true.”
On Day 4, Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant shared an incredible 177-run fourth-wicket partnership. India was all out for 46 in the first innings, but this combination enabled them rally.
I play aggressive cricket with Rishabh. We were discussing in the middle that we would support one another, and both of us play attacking cricket,” Sarfaraz remarked.
Having grown up watching Virat Kohli, I’ve always wanted to play with him: Sarfaraz Khan
Following Rohit Sharma‘s departure on Day 3, Sarfaraz came out to bat and hammered 70 not out off 78 balls. He and Virat Kohli formed an important 136-run partnership. The young player recalled the partnership and stated that he had always wished to bat with Kohli, particularly for India. He said that the former captain of India encouraged him to play his natural style and gave him a lot of confidence during the collaboration.
Since I was a kid, I’ve followed Virat Kohli, and I’ve always wanted to play with him. Playing with him on the Indian team was a unique experience, but that dream came true with RCB. ‘Back your shots, play freely’ was his mantra, and it gave me a lot of confidence. In the BCCI video, Sarfaraz said,
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“It is undoubtedly a proud moment when someone like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma pat you on the back and say that you have done well.” India set a target of 107 runs for the tourists, and Sarfaraz’s partnerships with Pant and Kohli prevented an innings loss.