NEW DELHI: Rising India star Sarfaraz Khan expressed his delight on Saturday after scoring his maiden Test century against New Zealand. The young batsman, who was playing in only his fourth Test match since making his debut earlier this year, described the achievement as a “dream come true.”
During the rain-affected fourth day of the match in Bengaluru, Sarfaraz showcased his batting prowess, amassing an impressive 150 runs.His innings was a crucial part of India’s performance, as he shared a significant 177-run partnership for the fourth wicket with wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant.
Sarfaraz’s outstanding display not only entertained the spectators present at the stadium but also earned praise from cricket experts and commentators.
“Since I started playing cricket, it was my dream to play for India and score a 100 for India. I am happy,” the 26-year-old told reporters after the day’s play.
Sarfaraz reached his century by driving Tim Southee through the covers for a boundary off the back foot. As the ball raced away to the fence, he celebrated his milestone with a short sprint and acknowledged the standing ovation from the spectators and his teammates in the dressing room.
The right-handed batsman employed late cuts and guided the ball behind the wicket to counter the New Zealand fast bowlers. However, once he and Pant were dismissed, the visiting pacers managed to claw their way back into the game.
“I like playing the balls that rise high. I have a bouncy wicket back at home, and I play regularly there,” said the Mumbai-born Sarfaraz.
“The bounce easily allows me to cut it. They (opposition quicks) were trying to ball short at me, and I simply played accordingly. It was fun.”
Sarfaraz, who was not consistently the team’s primary choice, secured a spot in the playing eleven for the first match of the three-game series. His inclusion came after Shubman Gill was sidelined due to a stiff injury.
“I simply focus on the things under my control, do well in the practise and try to overcome the shortcomings,” said Sarfaraz. “Also, I talk to my father quite often since he keeps me motivated all the time.”
Sarfaraz’s knock marked his 16th first-class century, with an impressive 10 of his previous 15 centuries being 150-plus scores, including four double hundreds.
“I always keep this in mind that tomorrow is uncertain. It’s happened in the past that while thinking about tomorrow, my present was hampered. So, I try to stay in the present,” he said.
New Zealand are just 107 runs away from securing their first Test victory in India in 36 years, having taken seven wickets for just 54 runs to bowl India out for 462. However, Sarfaraz remains hopeful and refuses to give up.
“It is not an easy wicket to bat on. I don’t think the game is out of our hands yet. The ball is still cutting in and out.
“So, if we manage to get two to three wickets of theirs (NZ’s) early on, even they could be in a similar situation (collapse),” he chimed in.
