Khan scores his first goal for India as the home team bounces back against New Zealand

BENGALURU, India (AP) — Sarfaraz Khan scored his first century as India continued its comeback on the fourth day of the first cricket test against New Zealand.

Khan was unbeaten on 125 runs off 154 balls as India reached 344-3 in the second innings before rain set in. Rishabh Pant also hit 53 runs with the hosts still trailing by 12 runs.

Lunch was called 10 minutes earlier as the duo added 113 runs off 132 balls for the unbeaten fourth wicket, continuing India's turnaround after being bowled out for just 46 runs in their first innings.

New Zealand scored 402 runs in their first innings to take a lead of 356 runs thanks to Rachin Ravindra's 134 runs. India had lost Virat Kohli for 70 runs on the last ball of the third day and started the day with a score of 231-3.

Khan came into the second Test as a replacement for the injured Shubman Gill and reached his maiden hundred in the fourth Test. By lunch on the fourth day he had hit 16 fours and three sixes before rain halted his attack.

Meanwhile, Pant scored his 18th Test half-century off 55 deliveries. Together, the duo managed 100 off just 120 balls and India looked to turn the game around.

But the weather in Bengaluru got in the way – the fourth day began under dark skies with a constant threat of rain and came just before the scheduled lunch break. On the first day on Wednesday, rain washed out the entire game.

India top the World Test Championship standings and a 3-0 win in this series against New Zealand would all but secure their place in the final at Lord's next June. India recently defeated Bangladesh 2-0.

New Zealand is already on a long subcontinental tour. It started with a poor test against Afghanistan in Greater Noida, India, followed by a 2-0 series defeat in Sri Lanka.

The second game of the three-Test series will be played in Pune from next Thursday and the last in Mumbai from November 1.

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AP Cricket: https://apnews.com/hub/cricket