13 fours and three sixes; Dream debut for Sarfaraz Khan

BENGALURU: Mumbai prodigy Sarfaraz Khan seized the moment on his debut test match, hitting a remarkable ton for India on the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand. Sarfaraz showed perseverance to wait for his chance despite being omitted by the selectors in various instances.

India came out to bat in the second innings, after coming out from a near collapse in the first innings. India was 231/3 on Day 3 after suffering a big blow with the dismissal of Virat Kohli. However, Sarfaraz and Rishab held the fort and hit back against the fierce bowling attack of New Zealand.

Captain Rohit Sharma (52) and Virat Kohli (70) gave a decent opening while Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) and Rohit put on a partnership of 72 runs for the first wicket. It was Ajas who broke the partnership by dismissing Yashasvi. Rohit went front foot to defend the off-stump-lined delivery from Ajas but ended up getting robbed after the bowl wriggled through the batsman’s legs to hit the wicket. Later, Kohli and Sarfraz, who came together at the crease, made a partnership of 136 runs for the third wicket and protected India. Sarfraz played an aggressive game from the moment he reached the crease and took 13 fours and three sixes into his account.