Sarfaraz Khan's Magnificent Century Takes Center Stage

Sarfaraz Khan's first Test hundred was full of memorable moments. From guiding the team from a deficit of 251 to a lead of 52 and ending with 150 runs, the earlier duck was superseded. The electric 177 run-partnership with Rishabh Pant littered with viral moments like the animated hundred celebration and the antics to catch Pant's attention for the running between wickets. 

Sarfaraz and Pant had shared a victorious 72-run stand previously against an attack from Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav. The duo referred to that match to strategize for the winning score. During that game, Sarfaraz had hit Deep for five consecutive boundaries at one point. He successfully applied the same technique he had played several times during this Test. 

Sarfaraz's notable dab shot past gully for four in this Test garnered attention as the shot replicated multiple times throughout the game - often past gully or wide of the third man. His skill not sparing even the spinners by pulling off the shots even with a slip in place. Of his hundred runs, 44 came in the third-man area, a testament to a stroke that will be recalled when his Test scores are mentioned. 

New Zealand's strategy against Sarfaraz failed, forcing them to abandon it eventually. They acknowledged the efficacy of the petite batter's dab, highlighting its impact on the game. Despite the pitch's unpredictable bounce, Sarfaraz's runs continued to increase. Will O'Rourke, with a match haul of seven wickets, admitted to Sarfaraz's expertise in handling his bowling, acknowledging that his strength lied in that dab shot.