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[Watch] Sarfaraz Khan’s Heroics Cut Short After Brilliant 150 As New Ball Does The Trick 

Sarfaraz Khan departs after scoring 150 (Source: @JioCinema, ScreenGrab)Sarfaraz Khan departs after scoring 150 (Source: @JioCinema, ScreenGrab)

In a dramatic turn of events on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sarfaraz Khan’s incredible knock of 150 came to an unfortunate end, offering a lifeline to the visitors just as India was clawing its way back into the contest. 

The 26-year-old Mumbai batter had steered India from the depths of despair to within sight of parity before falling to a soft dismissal, bringing an end to a stunning innings that received a standing ovation from the Bengaluru crowd.

Sarfaraz Khan’s Incredible Knock 

The day started with India in dire need of runs to overturn New Zealand’s commanding first-innings lead of 356. Sarfaraz Khan, having already crossed his maiden Test century earlier in the day, continued to take the fight to the New Zealand bowlers alongside Rishabh Pant. The two batters put together a mammoth 177-run partnership, chipping away at the deficit and giving India a fighting chance.

Southee Traps Sarfaraz Khan After He Completes His 150

However, in the 84th over of the innings, Sarfaraz Khan's valiant resistance came to a premature end. Facing New Zealand's veteran seamer Tim Southee, Sarfaraz attempted to drive a pitched-up delivery, swinging away from him outside the off-stump. 

The right-hander, who had up until then displayed immaculate shot selection, misjudged this one. Going for a lofted drive over the covers, he mistimed the shot, and the ball floated into the hands of Ajaz Patel stationed at covers.

It was a soft dismissal, far from the aggressive yet calculated strokeplay Sarfaraz had displayed throughout the innings. His attempt to take the aerial route proved costly, and the Bengaluru crowd, which had been on its feet for much of his innings, collectively sighed in disappointment. 

However, as he walked back to the pavilion, the crowd roared in appreciation, acknowledging the magnitude of his effort in saving India's hopes in this Test.

Southee, whose relentless accuracy finally paid off, broke the crucial partnership and handed New Zealand a breakthrough just as India appeared to be gaining momentum. Sarfaraz’s dismissal leaves India still trailing by a significant margin, but his 150 will go down as one of the finest rearguard actions in recent Indian Test history. At the time of writing, India is 434/5 with Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul at the crease.