In the ongoing first Test between India and New Zealand in Bengaluru, Virat Kohli has reached a monumental milestone in his illustrious career, completing 9,000 Test runs. Kohli, alongside Sarfaraz Khan, showcased remarkable resilience, forming a crucial 100-run partnership to steer India out of early trouble. The three-match Test series has already provided plenty of drama, with the weather playing its part, but the focus remains on the star performers—Kohli and Sarfaraz.
Kohli Reaches 9,000 Test Runs
As the IND vs NZ 1st Test progressed, the spotlight firmly shone on Virat Kohli, who became the fourth Indian to surpass 9,000 runs in Test cricket. Kohli joins an elite group of Indian batsmen, including legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, and Sunil Gavaskar. The crowd in Bengaluru witnessed a masterclass from Kohli, who, along with Sarfaraz Khan, orchestrated a partnership that not only revived India’s innings but also gave fans a reason to cheer after a shaky start.
The IND vs NZ 1st Test Live Score indicates that India still trails New Zealand by 143 runs, but the partnership between Kohli and Sarfaraz has provided much-needed stability. Both players reached their half-centuries, with Kohli on 51* and Sarfaraz on 56*, as they fought to narrow the deficit.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Brilliant Half-Century
Sarfaraz Khan, the rising star in Indian cricket, also played a pivotal role in India’s recovery during the IND vs NZ 1st Test. Sarfaraz’s half-century came off just 42 balls, marking his fourth fifty in Test cricket. His aggressive yet composed batting kept the scoreboard ticking, and he found an excellent partner in Kohli. Together, they stitched an 88-run partnership for the third wicket, which soon crossed the 100-run mark.
Sarfaraz’s performance in the IND vs NZ 1st Test Live Score update shows his maturity and ability to handle pressure at the international level. His 56* runs and his valuable partnership with Kohli have given India a fighting chance, even as they remain 160 runs behind New Zealand.
The Story So Far: A Rocky Start for India
The first day of the IND vs NZ 1st Test was marred by rain, which wiped out a significant portion of play. However, when the match resumed, New Zealand quickly established their dominance by posting a massive total of 402 runs in their first innings. India, in contrast, had a nightmare start, collapsing for a meagre 46 runs in their first innings.
Despite this shaky start, India’s second innings began with more promise. Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, scoring a commanding half-century, but he fell soon after, leaving India in a precarious position once again. However, the partnership between Kohli and Sarfaraz has given India hope as they continue to fight back in the IND vs NZ 1st Test Live Score updates.
Rohit Sharma’s Crucial Half-Century
Earlier in the second innings of the IND vs NZ 1st Test, Rohit Sharma displayed aggressive intent, scoring his 18th Test half-century. His quickfire 52 runs off 63 balls included eight boundaries and a towering six. Rohit’s innings provided a much-needed boost to India, following the disappointment of the first innings. Unfortunately, his dismissal left India vulnerable, but the subsequent partnership between Kohli and Sarfaraz has helped stabilise the innings.
Rohit’s wicket fell at a crucial moment, with the skipper visibly disappointed. His misjudged defensive shot off Ajaz Patel’s bowling saw the ball take an unfortunate edge and crash into the stumps. While India lost a key player, the IND vs NZ 1st Test Live Score updates indicate that Kohli and Sarfaraz have since managed to hold the fort.
The Importance of Kohli-Sarfaraz Partnership
The partnership between Kohli and Sarfaraz has been instrumental in India’s fightback. After losing Rohit and Yashasvi Jaiswal early on, India needed a strong stand from its middle order, and the duo has delivered. Their understanding at the crease and the balance between defence and attack have allowed India to chip away at New Zealand’s hefty lead.
As seen in the IND vs NZ 1st Test Live Score updates, the pair have already crossed the 130-run mark, with their partnership now reaching 100 runs. Kohli’s calm presence combined with Sarfaraz’s aggressive style has worked wonders for India. Despite trailing by over 160 runs, this partnership offers India a chance to save the match or, at the very least, avoid a heavy defeat.
New Zealand’s Dominant First Innings
New Zealand has been formidable in this IND vs NZ 1st Test. Their first-innings total of 402 was built on strong batting displays from their top and middle order. Indian bowlers struggled to make inroads as New Zealand batsmen dominated the proceedings. The visitors capitalised on India’s weak bowling attack, setting the stage for what seemed like an inevitable victory.