NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant found themselves in a mix-up that almost cost the hosts a run-out on Day 4 of the first Test between India and New Zealand at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The incident happened in the 56th over of India’s second innings when Sarfaraz was close to his maiden Test century during the home team’s spirited fightback.
On the first ball of the over, Sarfaraz, who was batting on 94, played a late cut off Matt Henry to deep backward point and sprinted through the first run, sensing a double.Both the batters initially seemed to be sure there was another run in it, but Sarfaraz realized it could be a risky affair and refused, while Pant kept running, looking at the ball instead of his partner.
Sarfaraz started shouting and gesturing frantically, jumping up and down, trying to get Pant’s attention. Luckily, the throw wasn’t at the stumps and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell had to move away to collect it at an awkward bounce, which gave Pant enough time to return to safety.
For some reason, Blundell didn’t go ahead with the under-arm flick to throw down the stumps.
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Both the batters heaved a sigh of relief before continuing to attack, as Sarfaraz brought up his first Test century with a boundary off Tim Southee, followed by Pant completing his half-century to ease fears around his knee injury.
Jubilant Sarfaraz roared in celebration, taking off his helmet and raising his bat to the crowd before Pant greeted him with a bear hug.
The duo’s 113-run unbeaten partnership has kept India in the match, reducing New Zealand’s lead to just 12 runs before rain stopped play and forced an early lunch.