Sarfaraz Khan made a sensational comeback in the 1st Test between India and New Zealand at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, scoring his maiden international century after a disappointing duck in the first innings. The 26-year-old, who was brought into the playing XI to replace Shubman Gill, had an unfortunate start as he was dismissed for a 3-ball duck, contributing to India’s collapse to 46 all out in the first innings.
However, Sarfaraz turned the tide in the second innings, showcasing his resilience and talent. Resuming his knock on day 4 with an overnight score of 70, Sarfaraz wasted no time reaching his century, propelling India’s counterattack in response to New Zealand’s imposing total of 402. He displayed his trademark aggressive approach, hitting 3 sixes and 14 boundaries during his innings. His hundred made him the 22nd Indian cricketer to score both a duck and a century in the same Test, following Shubman Gill, who achieved the feat last month against Bangladesh in Chennai. Interestingly, the only other Indian to score a duck and a hundred against New Zealand was Shikhar Dhawan, who scored 0 and 115 at Eden Park, Auckland, in 2014.
Sarfaraz’s inclusion in the national side came on the back of his prolific domestic performances. Earlier this month, he scored an unbeaten 222 for Mumbai against Rest of India in the Irani Cup, continuing his run of big scores. Despite piling up runs in recent seasons, Sarfaraz was only called up to the Indian team this year during the home Test series against England, where he impressed with three half-centuries in five innings. His long-awaited maiden Test hundred adds to his already impressive first-class cricket record, which includes 15 centuries and 14 fifties in just 76 innings.
In the second innings of the Test, Sarfaraz first built a crucial partnership with Virat Kohli to reach his half-century and then teamed up with Rishabh Pant to go past the hundred mark. He eventually reached his century in style, striking a boundary to bring up the milestone. His dynamic innings not only kept India in the game but also boosted his chances of becoming a regular fixture in the playing XI.
Celebrating in his trademark style, Sarfaraz’s century has revived India's hopes of pulling off an improbable victory in the 1st Test. His performance further solidifies his position as one of India’s most exciting emerging talents in the longest format of the game.
