India is playing New Zealand in the first Test of the three-match Test series. The Men in Blue decided to bat first after winning the toss on overcast conditions. Rohit Sharma’s decision went against the team, as they scored the lowest total in their home conditions. The hosts were bowled out for just 46 runs, with five batters returning to the pavilion without scoring. In reply, the Kiwis scored 402 in their first innings.
The home side was trailing with 356 runs coming to bat in the second innings. They got the best of starts from openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rohit. India looked well with both the batters playing attacking cricket and stitched a partnership of 72 runs. Then the big partnership between Virat Kohli and Sarfaraz Khan of 135 runs cemented India’s fightback. The former was back in the pavilion of the last ball of day 3 scoring 70.
However, Sarfaraz once again proved to be a vital person for India in the middle order. He showcased his class on Day 4 and brought up his maiden century in the longest format of the game. Using all his experience of playing the Ranji Trophy the Mumbai-born batter who was ignored for his fitness, displayed an absolute stellar performance in Bengaluru.
Sarfaraz Khan is the best batter for India in home conditions
Is he the missing link in the middle order? Sarfaraz over the years has waited for this moment and worked hard to get his name in the first XI of the side. He made his debut against England. Scored a brilliant half-century in the series at Dharamshala. He might have got his century back then but missed out. He showed good tempo and mindset while batting with Kohli playing as per the situation.
The 26-year-old batter will be looking to score a daddy hundred and stay at the crease till the end of the day and help India score a big total. With Rishabh Pant in the crease who is also batting at 53 off 56 deliveries will be looking for his 7th test hundred. He has been in excellent form in the red-ball format since his return. The game has been delayed due to rain with India just 12 runs behind.
