The incident took place in the 56th over of India’s second innings.
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 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.
Addressing the media at the close of play, Sarfaraz Khan said it was decided by the team management that they won't go for quick runs while batting with Pant but the excitement of getting to his maiden Test ton got to him and he ended up pushing the keeper-batter for the second run.
"Rishabh was hurt a day before. He was injured so we had discussed in the dressing room that we'll run conservatively while batting with him. But when I late cut that ball, I was nearing 100, so I called for a double. Then, after completing the single, I realised that he had pain in his knees and would come back for the second. So I immediately shouted no no and raised my hand. I screamed 'stop stop' but he didn't look at me. But thank God, he was safe," Sarfaraz told reporters.
The pair was involved in a partnership of 177 runs, helping India set the target of 107 against New Zealand. While Sarfaraz smashed 150, Pant missed his century by just one run.
Talking about his partnership with Pant, Sarfaraz said: "We both play attacking cricket. A few days ago, we played a Duleep Trophy match here. We had to counter-attack in the second innings. We had to score runs and then give them the fight. So we were discussing that the Duleep Trophy days are back, so lets do it again, and then we went on to play attacking cricket."
Sarfaraz Khan suggested that the Kiwis might find it challenging to chase the modest target of 107 runs on Day 5, especially if India can claim early wickets as the pitch begins to deteriorate.
"It felt amazing to get my first century for India," Sarfaraz stated. "But tomorrow will be tough for them. The pitch is breaking down, the ball is moving, and if we strike early, they could find themselves in a similar situation as we did."