\u201cIt felt really good to score a century for my country, fulfilling a childhood dream,\u201d Sarfaraz told reporters at the end of the day\u2019s play on Saturday. \u201cIt won\u2019t be easy for New Zealand. The pitch has its challenges; the ball is moving and cutting unpredictably, and there will be turn. If we can get breakthroughs early tomorrow, they might find themselves in a similar spot as we did,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sarfaraz\u2019s century, in just his fourth Test appearance, marked a major milestone for the 26-year-old. \u201cIt felt really good to score a century for my country, fulfilling a childhood dream,\u201d he said with a smile.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India had found themselves in a precarious position after being bundled out for just 46 in the first innings. But Sarfaraz\u2019s 177-run partnership with Rishabh Pant breathed life back into their campaign. Both players, who were part of India\u2019s 2016 U-19 World Cup squad, combined caution and aggression to put New Zealand under pressure. Their partnership turned the tide for India before another lower-order collapse left the visitors chasing 107. While Sarfaraz scored 150, Pant went on to miss a ton, getting out for 99 overall.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBatting with Pant is enjoyable; runs come quickly when he is on strike. We\u2019ve known each other a long time, and there\u2019s good communication out there,\u201d Sarfaraz said, reflecting on their fruitful collaboration at the crease.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The day was not without lighter moments, including a comical misunderstanding between Sarfaraz and Pant while running between the wickets. As they scrambled for a second run, Sarfaraz\u2019s sudden jump to prevent a collision with Pant, who was nursing a knee injury, sparked amusement and quickly became viral fodder for social media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Explaining the incident, Sarfaraz said, \u201cWe knew Rishabh was in pain, so we agreed to be careful with running. I recalled his condition mid-run and reacted instinctively. Thank God, he survived that moment.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sarfaraz\u2019s innings was remarkable not just for the runs but for the manner in which they were scored. He avoided playing through the traditional \u2018V\u2019 until his 115th run, instead finding runs creatively elsewhere on the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked about this unconventional approach, he said, \u201cIt wasn\u2019t a deliberate plan. They bowled a lot outside off, making it easier to score elsewhere. I wasn\u2019t consciously avoiding the middle; I was just focused on scoring, however, it came.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Sarfaraz\u2019s innings was remarkable not just for the runs but for the manner in which they were scored. He avoided playing through the traditional \u2018V\u2019 until his 115th run, instead finding runs creatively elsewhere on the field.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
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