The Confusion Between Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant (Screengrab)

NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant got into a mix-up that almost cost the hosts a run-out on Day 4 of the first Test between India and New Zealand on M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday.
The incident took place in the 56th over of India’s second innings, when Sarfaraz was close to his first innings. Test century during the home team’s spirited fightback.
On the first ball of the over, Sarfaraz, batting on 94, played a late cut-off from Matt Henry to deep backward point and sprinted through the first point, sensing a double. Both batters initially seemed confident that another run would come. into it, but Sarfaraz realized it could be a risky affair and declined, while Pant kept running and looking at the ball instead of his partner.
Sarfaraz started frantically shouting and making gestures, jumping up and down in an attempt to get Pant’s attention. Fortunately, the delivery was not at the stumps and wicketkeeper Tom Blundell had to move away to catch the ball with an awkward bounce, giving Pant enough time to get back to safety.
For some reason Blundell didn’t go through with the underarm movement to throw down the stumps.
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Both batters breathed a sigh of relief before continuing to attack as Sarfaraz brought up his maiden Test century with a boundary off Tim Southee, followed by Pant completing his half-century to allay fears surrounding his knee injury.
The jubilant Sarfaraz roared with joy, removed his helmet and raised his bat to the crowd before Pant greeted him with a bear hug.
The duo’s unbeaten partnership of 113 runs has kept India in the match, reducing New Zealand’s lead to just 12 points before rain halted play and forced an early lunch.