by Sarfaraz Khan scored his maiden century as India continued their comeback on the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand.
Khan was unbeaten on 125 runs off 154 balls as India reached 344-3 in the second innings before rain set in. Rishabh Pant also remained unbeaten with 53 runs, the hosts were still twelve runs behind before there was a delay of around 100 minutes.
Lunch was called 10 minutes earlier as the duo added 113 runs off 132 balls for the unbeaten fourth wicket, continuing India’s turnaround after being bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings.
Play resumed midway through the afternoon session after about 24 overs were lost.
New Zealand scored 402 runs in their first innings thanks to Rachin Ravindra’s 134 to take a lead of 356 runs. India lost Virat Kohli for 70 on the last ball of the third day and started with an overnight score of 231-3.
By lunch on day four, Khan had hit 16 fours and three sixes before rain halted his attack.
Meanwhile, Pant scored his 18th Test half-century off 55 deliveries. Together, the duo managed 100 off just 120 balls and India looked to turn the game around.
But then the weather in Bengaluru got in the way – the fourth day began under dark skies with a constant threat of rain and came just before the planned lunch break. On the first day on Wednesday, rain washed out the entire game.
India top the World Test Championship standings and a 3-0 win in this series against New Zealand would all but secure them a place in the final at Lord’s next June. India recently defeated Bangladesh 2-0.
New Zealand is already on a long subcontinental tour. They began with a poor Test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India, followed by a 2-0 series loss in Sri Lanka.
The second match of the three-Test series will be played in Pune from next Thursday and the final match will be played in Mumbai from November 1.
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