‘Felt amazing’: Sarfaraz Khan breaks India’s maiden Test century in Bengaluru Test

After scoring his maiden century for India in the Bangalore Test against New Zealand, batsman Sarfaraz Khan on Saturday said it felt great to score his first century for India. Sarfaraz Khan completed a knock of 150 runs off 195 balls with a strike rate of 76.92. He hit 18 fours and three sixes during his time at the crease. It was unfortunate that Tim Southee removed him from the crease in India’s second 85th over.

Speaking at a press conference, Sarfaraz said the final day in Bengaluru will be tough for the Kiwis as the pitch is collapsing. He added that the hosts need to pick up wickets early to win the first Test match of the series.

“It was a great feeling to celebrate my century with India. But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is broken and the ball is moving. If we attack early, they will too. We may end up in a similar situation,” Sarfaraz said at a press conference the next day.

Sarfaraz made his Test debut against England in 2024 and went on to play four long matches, scoring 350 runs at an average of 58.33.

Looking back at the match, India were at a disadvantage against New Zealand in the rain-hit Bengaluru Test, but they were able to win by 107 runs on the final day of the Bengaluru Test.

India did well from the second innings and at one point were 407-3, but lost seven wickets for less than 60 runs. Their dismal performance in the first inning, in which they only scored 46 points, still haunts them.

India’s problems increased as New Zealand bowlers put the new ball to good use in the post-tea session. Ravindra Jadeja was the first to fall, defeating William O’Rourke by five strokes. India managed to reach 450 in 94.5 overs but wickets continued to slump. India had scored 458 runs when Ravichandran Ashwin was dismissed.

Mohammed Siraj also fell for a duck just two balls later, allowing Henry to take his third wicket. Kuldeep Yadav remained unbeaten in six matches, but struggled to score runs as the ball stalled in the wet outfield, leaving India with 462 runs in the second innings.

William O’Rourke and Matt Henry finished with three wickets each, while Tim Southee took one. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips also contributed, taking two and one wicket respectively.

When New Zealand openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway took to bat, they faced just four deliveries from Jasprit Bumrah before bad light called off play for the day. India will have the task of taking all 10 wickets while New Zealand are aiming for 107 runs.