Follow UsSarfaraz Khan, who fulfilled his childhood dream by scoring his maiden Test hundred for the Indian team, feels that the Rohit Sharma-led side is still in the game with a day to play in the first Test against New Zealand at Bengaluru.
“It is not an easy wicket. We are still in the game. The ball is turning. If we can get 2-3 quick wickets, then New Zealand will have some trouble,” Sarfaraz said on October 19 (Saturday), at the end of Day 4.
After being 408/3, India were eventually bowled out for 462. They have set a target of 107 for the Kiwi team. Only four balls were bowled in the New Zealand innings and they were able to not lose any of their wickets. If weather permits, the Tom Latham-led side would need 107 with all their 10 wickets in hand on Day 5 to take 1-0 lead in the series.
Sarfaraz, 26, waited a long time to get an India call-up. But the Mumbaikar said that he never felt worried about anything, even as he had to make way for KL Rahul during the two Tests against Bangladesh.
“I just follow my process whatever I have been doing in the last 4-5 years. I focus on my practice and keep on speaking with my father. Whatever I have been doing, I do that,” he said.
India, after being 231/3 at the end of Day 3 with Sarfaraz not out at 70, reached 408 without losing any more wickets. Sarfaraz added 177 for the fourth wicket with Rishabh Pant, who was out for 99.
However, the right-hander, who had smashed a double century in his last first-class game, an Irani Trophy match against Rest of India, was healing towards another double century. But a lapse of concentration and a loose shot meant that Tim Southee got him through a soft dismissal, eventually breaking the partnership. Sarfaraz made 150.
“It felt very good, my first century for India. It has been my dream since childhood to play for India and score centuries,” said Sarfaraz about the achievement.
There was a mix-up between the two early on in the partnership. Had it been a direct hit, Pant might have to walk back.
Explaining the situation, Sarfaraz said, “Rishabh had taken a blow on his knee so we had this discussion that we will run carefully. I had called two initially but then remembered he was having knee pain. Thank God he survived that.”
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