- Sarfaraz Khan scored 150 after a first-innings duck, joining Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Sachin Tendulkar in an exclusive feat for India.
- His innings broke Sunil Gavaskar’s record for the highest third-innings score at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Sarfaraz shared game-changing partnerships with Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli, helping India make a remarkable comeback.
Sarfaraz Khan made history in the first Test against New Zealand, scoring 150 runs in the third innings after a duck in the first.
This achievement placed him alongside Indian greats Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi and Sachin Tendulkar as one of only three Indian batters to score 150 or more runs at no.4 in the third innings of a Test.
Sarfaraz Khan Breaks Records with Heroic 150 in India’s Comeback
The knock proved pivotal as Sarfaraz, alongside Rishabh Pant, forged a crucial 177-run partnership that helped India recover from early trouble. Pant, too, had a memorable innings, including a monstrous 107-meter six off Tim Southee, though he fell just short of a century with 99 runs. Sarfaraz’s efforts, combined with his earlier 136-run stand with Virat Kohli, were key in India’s fightback, eventually giving them a competitive lead.
Breaking Sunil Gavaskar’s record at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sarfaraz now holds the highest third-innings score at this venue. His 150 runs surpassed the unbeaten 103 Gavaskar made against Pakistan in 1983. This innings, supported by Pant’s quickfire 99, ensured that India took a decisive lead in the match, keeping them in contention for victory after struggling in the first innings.
Sarfaraz’s composure after his first-innings duck was remarkable. His ability to bounce back and anchor the innings under pressure highlights the talent he has displayed consistently in domestic cricket. His partnerships with established players like Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant were crucial in turning the tide of the match in India’s favor.
Pant’s 99, though a disappointment in terms of missing out on a hundred, had its moments of brilliance, especially his monstrous six off Tim Southee that left both fans and players in awe. Despite the collapse after his dismissal, Sarfaraz’s knock ensured India entered the final session with a solid position.
Sarfaraz Khan’s 150 against New Zealand has etched his name in history, and his ability to turn the tide in India’s favor underscores his rising stature in Indian cricket.
“Sarfaraz Khan joins an exclusive club with his 150 in the third innings, showing the resilience and skill that make great players stand out in Test cricket.”
