A mix-up between the two almost saw Pant fall victim to a run-out.
Sarfaraz Khan was caught yelling at Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batter escaped a run-out on Day 4 of the first Test against New Zealand at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
A mix-up between the two almost saw Pant fall victim to a run-out, but quick thinking from Sarfaraz and a bit of luck allowed India to avoid a costly dismissal.
The incident took place in the 56th over of India’s second innings as Sarfaraz cut the ball towards deep backward point off Matt Henry's bowling. It initially seemed like a routine single but quickly became a scene of confusion.
After taking off for the first run, Pant was uncertain whether a second was on the cards. On the other hand, Sarfaraz immediately realized there was no chance for the extra run.
At the non-striker's end, Sarfaraz Khan was seen jumping and waving his arms frantically, asking Pant to stay put. However, the southpaw continued ball-watching and found himself caught halfway down the pitch.
It could have been an easy run-out but the Kiwi wicketkeeper Tom Blundell made a mess of it. As Blundell lunged forward to grab the ball cleanly for an underarm flick at the stumps, he fumbled, sending the ball wide and allowing Pant to return to the crease.
Here’s the video:
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz slammed his maiden Test hundred for India batting at No. 4. Resuming his innings on 70, the right-hander notched up his three-figure mark in just 110 balls during the morning session on Day 4.
At the time of writing, Sarfaraz Khan (125*) and Rishabh Pant (53*) had added an unbroken 113-run stand for the fourth wicket, heling India reduce the deficit to 12 runs.