Sarfaraz Khan followed in the footsteps of the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to become only the fourth Indian batter to score twin half-centuries on Test debut. Sarfaraz reached his fifty on Day 4 as India secured a commanding win over England by 434 runs in Rajkot on February 18. While chasing a daunting target of 557 runs, England lost a few wickets before the end of the second session. However, after the break, England's batting lineup collapsed as Ravindra Jadeja picked up five wickets. England were ultimately dismissed for a meager 122 runs.
Sarfaraz came in to bat after India lost the wicket of nightwatchman Kuldeep Yadav during the morning session on Day 4. With a century from Yashasvi Jaiswal and a well-constructed 91 off 151 balls from Shubman Gill, India had already built a lead of over 300 runs.
26-year-old Sarfaraz remained unbeaten on 68 runs from 72 balls, smashing six boundaries and three sixes in the second innings. Jaiswal and Sarfaraz formed an unbeaten 172-run partnership to take India to 430 for 4. Rohit Sharma chose to declare during the second session on Day 4, setting a target of 557 runs for England to chase.
Meanwhile, Sarfaraz joined the esteemed list of Gavaskar, Dilawar Hussain, and Shreyas Iyer as the fourth Indian to achieve this feat. He reached the fifty-run mark in the 96th over, taking a quick single against spinner Rehan Ahmed on Day 4.
Indian batter who scored twin 50s on Test debut
Dilawar Hussain: 59 & 57 (vs England in Kolkata)
Sunil Gavaskar: 65 & 67* (vs West Indies in Port of Spain)
Shreyas Iyer: 105 & 65 (vs New Zealand in Kanpur)
Sarfaraz Khan: 61 & 68* (vs England in Rajkot)
Sarfaraz's impactful debut
Sarfaraz had a memorable Test debut in Rajkot. After receiving his Test cap from former India captain Anil Kumble, the Mumbai-based batter scored 62 runs off 66 deliveries in India's first innings. He shared a crucial 77-run partnership with Ravindra Jadeja to help India surpass the 300-run mark on Day 1.
Notably, Sarfaraz recorded the second-fastest Test half-century for India to reach the milestone in just 48 deliveries. However, he couldn't capitalise on his half-century as a mix-up with Jadeja led to his run-out on 62 runs, concluding their impressive partnership.
Sarfaraz earned his spot in the Indian Test team after showcasing consistent performances in the domestic circuit. In 45 first-class matches, he accumulated 3912 runs at an impressive average of 69.85. During this period, he recorded 14 centuries and 11 half-centuries. Sarfaraz also made a strong impression while representing the India A side in matches against the England Lions.
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