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Fans lauded Sarfaraz Khan for leading India's fightback during the first bilateral Test against New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The 26-year-old slammed a crucial century to help the Indian team get back on track after falling well behind in the first innings.
The Rohit Sharma-led side batted first and underwent a major collapse as they were bundled out for just 46, their lowest score in a home Test. In response, New Zealand compiled a total of 402 and took a mammoth first-innings lead of 356 runs.
The second innings saw Rohit (52) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (35) setting up a strong platform for the hosts. Virat Kohli (70) and Sarfaraz Khan continued the team's momentum with their 136-run stand.
On Day 4 (Saturday, October 19), Sarfaraz and Rishabh Pant (53*) are playing with positive intent and have already stitched a 100+ run stand. Before the rain stopped play, Sarfaraz was unbeaten on 125 off 154 balls, with 16 fours and three sixes.
Fans on X expressed their happiness at Sarfaraz Khan making the most of his opportunity. Here's how they reacted:
Check out more reactions below:
"Imagine how much talent India has at this moment. Sarfaraz Khan was warming the bench and gets the hundred when he gets the chance. He is the classical example of why you need to play domestic cricket. If you play then you will become invincible against spin," a fan tweeted.
"Absolutely a masterpiece. First of many (hundreds). Playing under immense pressure and making runs at brisk pace. Sarfaraz u r a gem," another noted.
"Well played Sarfaraz. Sir Don Bradman of domestic cricket shining in international cricket," a fan posted.
"Nothing quite like seeing a cricketer who has tirelessly worked through the grind of domestic cricket succeed on the Test stage for their country, no matter where in the world. Sarfaraz Khan has played a superb innings so far," another tweeted.
Sarfaraz Khan has 15 centuries in first-class cricket
Making his first-class debut at the age of 17 in 2014, Sarfaraz Khan has grown into a credible player for Mumbai. The right-hander has amassed over 4,400 runs in 51 first-class games at an average of 69.09, with 15 centuries.
In the 2019-20 edition of the Ranji Trophy, Sarfaraz made a strong impression by registering his highest first-class score of 301* against Uttar Pradesh. The 2021-22 edition saw him emerge as the top-scorer with 982 runs in nine innings at an average of 122.75.
Recently, the 26-year-old became the first Mumbai batter to record a double century in the Irani Cup. His 222*-run knock helped the side win the game as well.
