In the IND-NZ Test match, Sarfaraz achieved his first century, while Pant scored 99 runs, contributing to India's total of 438 on Day 4.

October 19, Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka, : Sarfaraz Khan's remarkable 150 runs, along with Rishabh Pant's 99, propelled India to a total of 438 with six wickets lost by the end of the second session on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand at Chennai's M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sa turday.

The second session began with India at 344/3, with Sarfaraz and Pant unbeaten at 125 (154) and 53 (56), respectively, narrowing the deficit to just 12 runs.

Both players helped the team reach the 350-run mark in the 72nd over, and in the 73rd over, India took the lead over the Blackcaps. Four overs later, they completed their 150-run partnership.

Sarfaraz reached the 150-run milestone in the 84th over by taking a single off right-arm seamer Matt Henry, finishing his innings with 18 fours and three sixes. He was dismissed in the next over after scoring 150 runs.

Following Sarfaraz's dismissal, experienced batsman KL Rahul joined Pant at the crease. Pant was out next in the 89th over, scoring 99 runs off the bowling of right-arm seamer William O’Rourke. His innings included nine boundaries and five sixes, with a strike rate of 94.29.

After Pant's dismissal, left-handed batter Ravindra Jadeja came to bat. Rahul and Jadeja managed a partnership of five runs before Rahul was out at tea, scoring 12 runs with two fours.

Earlier that day, despite dark clouds looming over M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Sarfaraz and Pant emerged as a source of inspiration for the hosts. Sarfaraz quickly set out to reduce the significant 125-run deficit, hitting two boundaries off William O’Rourke in the second over.

The partnership grew stronger, with Sarfaraz frequently relying on late cuts to accumulate runs. As the New Zealand pacers struggled, Sarfaraz took a single to complete his century, celebrating the milestone with a triumphant yell and a punch in the air.

Recognizing the threat posed by Pant and Sarfaraz, New Zealand captain Tom Latham introduced spinners. However, the duo remained undeterred, with Pant occasionally sending the ball into the stands while Sarfaraz focused on hitting boundaries.

Pant hit the ball to the boundary to complete his 18th Test fifty. With the deficit down to just 12 runs, rain interrupted play, forcing lunch to be called despite a few overs remaining.

**Brief Score:** India 46 & 438/6 (Sarfaraz Khan 150, Rishabh Pant 99; Ajaz Patel 2-100) vs New Zealand 402 (Rachin Ravindra 134, Tim Southee 65, Devon Conway 91; Ravindra Jadeja 3/72).