INDIA’s Sarfaraz Khan hit his first Test century, helping the hosts reduce their deficit against New Zealand on day four of the rain-affected first Test on Saturday.

India reached 344-3 before rain interrupted play near the end of the morning session, prompting an early lunch in Bengaluru.

The hosts now trail by 12 runs after New Zealand set a first-innings lead of 356.

Sarfaraz, unbeaten on 125, and Rishabh Pant, on 53, have built an unbroken partnership of 113. India had resumed the day at 231-3.

Sarfaraz, in just his fourth Test, began the day on 70 and faced New Zealand’s pace attack with precise cuts and shots behind the wicket. He brought up his hundred with a boundary off Tim Southee, celebrating with a roar and receiving congratulations from Pant and a standing ovation from the crowd.

Pant, returning to bat after sitting out day three due to a knee injury, reached his fifty with a boundary. It is the same knee he injured in a car accident in December 2022, which had sidelined him for over a year Read More…..