Sarfaraz Khan receives standing ovation from Bengaluru crowd after superb 150

India vs New Zealand: Sarfaraz Khan earned a well-deserved standing ovation from both the crowd and the Indian dressing room after Tim Southee brought an end to his marathon 150-run innings in the second session.

In Short

• Sarfaraz Khan scored a remarkable 150 in Bengaluru Test
• Bengaluru crowd gave Indian batter a standing ovation
• This was the young player's maiden international hundred

Bengaluru witnessed a magical performance on Saturday as young Indian batter Sarfaraz Khan crafted an outstanding 150-run knock during the first Test against New Zealand. Sarfaraz received a well-deserved standing ovation from the crowd and the Indian dressing room after Tim Southee ended his marathon 150-run knock in the second session.

Resuming the day on 70, Sarfaraz tamed the Kiwi pacers with precision and flair, displaying remarkable strokeplay against both pace and spin. His innings, decorated with 18 boundaries and 3 sixes, was a masterclass in temperament and technique. Sarfaraz stitched crucial partnerships, first with captain Virat Kohli, and later with the dynamic Rishabh Pant, whose own aggressive half-century complemented Sarfaraz's measured brilliance.

Despite challenging overcast conditions and a lively pitch, Sarfaraz looked in complete control. His deft late cuts and audacious sweeps had New Zealand’s bowlers searching for answers. His shot selection and placement were exceptional, with 40 of his first 100 runs coming between point and third man, a testament to his mastery over timing and placement.

Sarfaraz’s landmark moment came when he took a single off Matt Henry, bringing up his 150 in style. His celebration was one of pure elation, as he leapt into the air, soaking in the adulation from the crowd. However, his innings ended shortly after, as he attempted to loft Southee but was caught by Ajaz Patel at cover. It was a bittersweet moment as the Bengaluru crowd rose to their feet to applaud Sarfaraz for his magnificent effort.

At the other end, Rishabh Pant also raced to 2,500 Test runs before getting out for 99. Pant's confident strokeplay alongside Sarfaraz helped India recover from a tricky position and helped them take a 70-plus second-innings lead in Bengaluru. India continued their extraordinary turnaround in opening Test against New Zealand with Sarfaraz Khan striking his maiden Test hundred to take India to 433 for 5 when Pant was dismissed for 99.