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India vs England 2024 Cricket

'What a champ! First of so many!' - Fans react as Sarfaraz Khan shines on Test debut with blazing half-century vs England in Rajkot

The Mumbai cricketer took just 48 balls to complete his fifty and became the joint-fastest Indian player to reach the mark on debut. 

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Mathew K
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Sarfaraz Khan (Source: X)

Sarfaraz Khan (Source: X)

If you get an opportunity, grab it like Sarfaraz Khan. The youngster has been knocking on the doors of Team India selectors for years with remarkable performances in the domestic circuit. However, he finally got it opened up in India's third Test against England at Rajkot on Thursday (February 15) and he made it count with a blazing half-century. 

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The 26-year-old was welcomed to international cricket with a quick bouncer by English pacer Mark Wood in the 64th over, right after captain Rohit Sharma's dismissal. Sarfaraz had no reply to Wood's delivery, but that didn't dampen his confidence as he quickly got into the rhythm. 

When Ravindra Jadeja, his partner at the other end, was playing cautiously, Sarfaraz was rather going aggressive. He managed to find boundaries against England spinners Joe Root and Tom Hartley and increase his scoring rate. The right-hander smashed a six against Hartley on the fourth ball of the 77th over and notched up his half-century in the very next ball.

A jubilant Sarfaraz raised his bat to celebrate the milestone while his father and wife in the stands were all smiles and pride. The Mumbai cricketer took just 48 balls to complete his fifty and became the joint-fastest Indian player to reach the mark on debut. 

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A terrible mix-up with Jadeja results in Sarfaraz's unfortunate dismissal 

Sarfaraz was going smoothly and looked on course to smash his maiden Test ton on his debut. However, in a terrible mix-up with Jadeja, the young lad had to depart in the form of a run-out. The veteran all-rounder was standing on 99 and was eyeing a single to get to the triple-digit mark.

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In the 82nd over bowled by James Anderson, Jadeja drove the ball to mid-on and took two steps down. He quickly turned the single down, but Sarfaraz was unable to get back into the crease on time before Wood's throw directly hit the stumps at the non-striker's end. A dejected Sarfaraz returned to the pavilion after scoring 62 runs (9 fours and 1 six) off 66 balls. The entire Rajkot crowd was disappointed and even captain Rohit looked frustrated as he threw his cap from the dressing room. 

Here's how fans reacted to Sarfaraz Khan's fifty on Test debut:

 

India vs England 2024 Sarfaraz Khan featured India