Dynamic Duo Fuels India's Fightback Against New Zealand
In the morning session of Day 4, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant coordinated a 113-run pileup to enhance India's prospects against New Zealand. This effective onslaught brought the total to 344 for 3, ultimately reducing the deficit to a mere 12 runs. However, the abrupt appearance of rain caused an early termination to the session after 105 minutes of play. Notably, within this shortened timeframe, Sarfaraz triumphed with his maiden Test hundred and Pant swiftly contributed a further half-century.
In the initial stages, Sarfaraz made a rapid start, skillfully exploiting William O'Rourke's deliveries for several boundary successes. A continuation of the boundary spree followed, with Pant also demonstrating his offensive abilities early on. Sarfaraz's effective utilization of dabs, flicks, lofts, and uppercuts, achieved against an offstump line, contributed significantly to his century, which was cemented with a final cover drive.
Pant, playing a supportive role early in the session, finally came into his own when he hurled Tim Southee for a straight six before craftily cutting him through point and cover. Pant also showed no mercy to Ajaz Patel, taking toll on the left-arm spinner with a punishing array of strikes, which included two consecutive sixes and a four, thereby maintaining a healthy scoring rate.
Through a series of successful maneuvers, India managed to undermine New Zealand's early advantage. It took nearly an hour into Day 4 before the hosts were able to complete a maiden over. In the end, the morning session concluded with India trailing by 12 runs with a score of 344/3, with Sarfaraz Khan remaining unbeaten at 125 runs and Rishabh Pant securing a firm 53 runs.
