Sarfaraz Khan etched an unforgettable chapter in his cricketing journey with his spectacular maiden Test century. His innings of 150 carried India from a deep deficit of 251 to a promising lead of 52, transforming what could have been a perilous situation into an opportunity for triumph. A duck in the first innings had posed a shadow over his capabilities, but the second innings saw Sarfaraz emerge stronger, showcasing resilience and flair.
The innings was not only significant for its scoreboard contribution but also for the partnerships that were vital in wresting control from the opponents. His stand with Rishabh Pant, worth an exhilarating 177 runs, was a highlight of the match. This partnership was a whirlwind of action and skill, peppered with moments that quickly went viral. The animated celebration upon reaching his hundred left his teammates in stitches and was indicative of the spirit he brought to the game. At one juncture, Sarfaraz had to pull out all stops to get Pant’s attention, reminding him of his own ankle injury, which had initially slipped Sarfaraz’s mind amid the exuberance.
This performance came just over a month since Sarfaraz and Pant had last played together on the same ground. They had orchestrated a 72-run stand off 55 deliveries then, against formidable bowlers like Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav. It was Pant’s return to the long format of the game, and their aggressive play style had been key to securing a win. During that period, Sarfaraz had demonstrated his prowess by hammering five consecutive boundaries off Akash Deep, with one shot—a nifty dab past gully—becoming a signature move that resonated during his Test century.
In this innings, Sarfaraz refined this technique to great effect. Of the 92 Test runs he has accumulated behind square on the offside, an astonishing 58 came during this match alone. His repertoire included standing still to dispatch length balls, arching back to ramp deliveries over the wicketkeeper, and employing audacious upper-cuts. He seemed to have mastered all the angles of play, defying conventional strategies. Encounters against both pacers and spinners didn’t deter him, even when fielded with an attacking setup.
. When he reached his century, a significant 44 runs came in the third-man area—a testament to his unconventional style.
The New Zealand team, relying on the pitch’s bounce against the shorter batsman, found their plans unraveling. Even experienced bowler Will O’Rourke admitted that Sarfaraz had outplayed him. “With my bowling angle, we thought we’d have a chance. But he executed his shots brilliantly. I’d have liked to control it better, but credit to him,” O’Rourke remarked after the fourth day’s play.
The roots of Sarfaraz’s success lie in his home-grown technique, meticulously shaped by his father, Naushad Khan, referred to fondly as the “family doctor.” Back home, under floodlit facilities, his distinctive game was nurtured. Although considered unorthodox, these methods have proven highly effective—something everyone in the Indian dressing room celebrates, as Kuldeep Yadav mentioned.
Reflecting on his endeavor, Sarfaraz said, “I enjoy the challenge of balls that bounce high. The bouncy wickets back home in Mumbai have prepared me well. They attempted a short-ball strategy, so I adapted and played my way.”
Despite Sarfaraz’s exceptional innings, India’s position remained precarious at the end of play, with much hard work still required. The target of 107 meant New Zealand held the upper hand, but Sarfaraz remained optimistic. “It’s a challenging wicket, but the game isn’t beyond us. If we can snatch a couple of quick wickets, they might find themselves in similar straits,” he asserted, demonstrating the spirit of resolve and belief in the team’s ability to turn the tide on the final day. His innings rekindled morale and belief in the team’s potential to clinch victory against the odds.