IND and NZ: After two tough days of cricket, the Indian team finally found its rhythm on day four of the first Test match against New Zealand in Bengaluru. Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant batted aggressively to give India the much-needed impetus in their second innings after a dismal start. India were bowled out for just 46 in the first innings, trailing New Zealand’s total of 402 and the team was under pressure to fight back. India ended the third day with 231 runs but Virat Kohli’s loss of the last ball of the day left the team with a tough task ahead.
As day four began, all eyes were on the crucial first session and Sarfaraz and Pant did not disappoint. Sarfaraz scored his maiden Test hundred and Pant provided solid support as the duo forged an unbeaten 50-over partnership. The duo’s aggressive and confident performance gave the Indian team renewed hope. However, the relationship almost came to an abrupt end due to the tense exit situation.
In the first game, a huge confusion between Sarfaraz and Pant almost led to a disaster. While trying to get his second run in, Sarfaraz was trying to stop Pant, aware of the danger posed by New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who had the ball in hand and was positioned near the stumps. Sarfaraz, visibly angry, signaled Pant to stay put and Brundle quickly took the ball. For a moment, it looked like India was about to lose another wicket in a moment of poor communication.
#sarfrazkhan #RishabhPant #INDvsNZ fun run pic.twitter.com/cpYXqAlkCY— Shivam Gupta (@ShivamGupt21183) October 19, 2024
On the sidelines, India skipper Rohit Sharma and veteran Ravichandran Ashwin looked on in shock at the near-climactic encounter, only to see the duo return safely. Laughed loudly. It was a brief but tense moment that had the Indian camp on edge, before sighing with relief.
Sarfaraz’s first Test century was a crucial blow for India, showing determination and perseverance under pressure. His 100-run effort, coupled with Pant’s consistent performance, helped India get back into the game. Sarfaraz’s century came off just 110 balls, with 13 boundaries and three sixes, marking the 26-year-old’s rise on the international stage.
The mistake that nearly cost the match became the talk of the town, with many praising Sarfaraz’s calmness and quick reactions for averting disaster. Despite some hiccups, the partnership continued to flourish, with India slowly chipping away at New Zealand’s lead.
On the third day, India already faced a tough battle while New Zealand held a huge lead of 356 runs. Rachin Ravindra’s century and Tim Southee’s counter-attacking half-century helped New Zealand reply to India’s first innings total of 402 runs. Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan stabilized the innings with a 136-run partnership but Kohli was dismissed for 70 at the hands of Glenn Phillips, This leaves India vulnerable.
Going into the follow-up session on day four, India’s strategy was clear – survive match after match, build partnerships and try to close the gap on New Zealand’s lead. The partnership of Sarfaraz and Pant was tested but still intact, giving India a fighting chance in the match.
Kuldeep Yadav, while reviewing the match situation, emphasized the importance of discipline and patience, especially on a pitch that offers little help to the spinners. With the run-out adding an extra layer of tension, Sarfaraz’s milestone became even more meaningful, cementing his status as one of India’s future batting stars.
