• Sarfaraz Khan smashed his maiden century in the first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru.

  • Sarfaraz unleashed a backfoot punch wide of cover for a boundary to reach the triple-figure mark.

IND vs NZ: Fans go crazy as Sarfaraz Khan hits his maiden hundred on Day 4 of the Bengaluru Test
Sarfaraz Khan hits maiden Test ton (Image Source: X)

Indian cricketer Sarfaraz Khan showcased his immense potential by scoring his maiden Test century on Day 4 of the first Test match against New Zealand. The right-handed batter illuminated the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, playing a vital knock when the hosts needed it the most. With his team battling to recover from a deficit, Sarfaraz stepped up under pressure, showing remarkable composure and skill against a formidable New Zealand bowling attack.

Crucial knock under pressure

The remarkable century came during the 57th over of India’s second innings, bowled by New Zealand’s experienced pacer Tim Southee. Sarfaraz, in his characteristic style, unleashed a backfoot punch wide of cover, sending the ball racing past the infield for a boundary. That shot not only brought him his hundred but also marked a significant moment in India’s innings, as they were looking to build a lead. Considering India was under pressure, having to claw back into the game after trailing by a considerable margin, Sarfaraz’s innings displayed tremendous grit and mental toughness. He handled the pace and spin with confidence, blending defense and aggression in his 4-hour stay at the crease.

His innings was laced with exquisite drives, fierce pulls, and calculated strikes, making him a nightmare for the bowlers. The Bengaluru crowd cheered every run, fully aware of the significance of his knock. His calmness and clarity in shot selection, even when wickets were tumbling at the other end, illustrated his maturity as a cricketer.

Celebrations overflow as Sarfaraz reaches milestone

The moment the ball crossed the infield, Sarfaraz celebrated in style, raising his hands aloft while running with his bat held high. He soaked in the electric atmosphere, taking off his helmet, and acknowledging the applause from the dressing room, the crowd, and even looking up to the skies. It was a celebration of character, clarity, and resilience under pressure, reflected in every shot he played during his impressive innings. Sarfaraz’s emotions were visible on his face as he pointed his bat towards the dressing room and hugged his batting partner. The celebration didn’t just reflect a milestone but also a journey of perseverance and hard work to earn a spot in the Test side.

The young batter’s century has come at a time when India is searching for middle-order stability, and this innings will certainly boost his confidence moving forward in the series.

Also WATCH: IND vs NZ – Rohit Sharma stands in disbelief after his unlucky dismissal on Day 3 of Bengaluru Test

Fans react to Sarfaraz’s historic century

Sarfaraz’s sensational performance sparked jubilation among fans, who took to social media to shower praise on the young batter. Many admired his fighting spirit, pointing out how he handled the pressure and guided India to a stronger position in the match.

Here is how fans reacted:

Also WATCH: Ravindra Jadeja cleans up Glenn Phillips with a beauty on Day 3 of the Bengaluru Test

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Akshat is the Sr. Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Akshat has honed his skills over 6 years, working with various media outlets, publications, and organizations to deliver high-quality content that informs, educates, and entertains audiences. He is just another cricket fan who’s grown up watching the likes of Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid. Cricket runs in his veins. Cover drive is his favorite sight, and a ball meeting the middle of the bat is his favorite sound. You can write to him at akshat.gaur@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook & Linkedin.