Cricket

South Africa's Tony de Zorzi finally broke through the century barrier in Test cricket, scoring a magnificent 141 not out on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram. The opener's maiden Test ton played a pivotal role in South Africa's dominant position of 307/2 at stumps.De Zorzi had narrowly missed out on centuries in previous matches, but he reached the milestone with a classy sweep off Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The delivery sailed past deep backward square-leg, sending the ball to the boundary and raising his century in 146 balls.In a moment of elation, de Zorzi celebrated with Chelsea footballer Cole Palmer's signature "Ice-Cold" celebration, grinning at his teammates while rubbing his biceps. The celebration added flair to a gritty innings on a hot, challenging day in Chattogram, as the South African opener fought through cramps to remain unbeaten at the close of play.After winning the toss and electing to bat, South Africa lost captain Aiden Markram early for 33. However, de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs combined for a record 201-run partnership for the second wicket - the highest for South Africa in Tests against Bangladesh. The monumental stand also entered the list of South Africa's highest second-wicket partnerships in Asia, becoming the third highest in an elite list.Stubbs adapted brilliantly to the conditions with a composed 106 off 198 balls. His measured innings ended in the final session when Taijul Islam bowled him, clipping the bottom edge onto the stumps. David Bedingham (18 not out) joined de Zorzi at the crease and ensured no further damage before bad light halted play early.With South Africa leading the two-match series 1-0, they are well-positioned to push for a series-clinching win on Day 2. De Zorzi's century and the team's strong batting performance have put them in a commanding position.

Sarfaraz Khan's scintillating century in the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand has reignited his hopes of cementing a place in the Indian Test team. The 25-year-old right-hander, who was drafted in as a replacement for the injured Shubman Gill, seized the opportunity with both hands, scoring a magnificent 150 runs to lead India's fightback.After a disappointing duck in the first innings, Sarfaraz showed his class and determination in the second, playing a series of eye-catching strokes to bring up his maiden Test century. He reached the milestone with a boundary off Tim Southee and celebrated with a jubilant sprint, his teammates and the support staff joining in the celebration from the dressing room.Sarfaraz's century was a testament to his hard work and perseverance. He has been in impressive form in domestic cricket for several years, but had yet to translate that success into the international arena. This knock has undoubtedly put him on the radar of the selectors and will give him confidence for the rest of the series.The BCCI shared a montage of two moments separated by more than nine years, featuring Sarfaraz and Virat Kohli. In the first clip, from IPL 2015, a 17-year-old Sarfaraz scored a cracking 21-ball 45 for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As soon as he finished his innings, Kohli came onto the field with a big smile and bowed to him, a gesture that left a lasting impression on the young batsman.Recalling the moment, Sarfaraz said, "I met him at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time. I had scored 45 runs in 21 balls here and he bowed at me. I had a lot of fun that day. It was a dream to share an Indian team dressing room with him it will come true in the future if I get the opportunity."Sarfaraz also spoke about his experience of playing alongside Kohli in RCB, highlighting his passion and love for the game. "His (Virat Kohli's) passion and spirit are unmatched. Whenever I saw him, even in the pre-match meetings, he'd take charge and tell everyone how many runs he'd score off a particular bowler and break that down for everyone. To be gutsy enough to stand up and talk with such positivity in front of everyone and then deliver the next day is a very unique ability," Sarfaraz said.Sarfaraz's century has given India a glimmer of hope in the first Test against New Zealand. The hosts still trail by a significant margin, but Sarfaraz's knock has shown that they have the batting firepower to compete with the world champions.

Sachin Tendulkar's Maiden International Century: A Defining Moment in Cricket HistoryOn August 14, 1990, at the iconic Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, a young Sachin Tendulkar etched his name into the annals of cricket history by scoring his maiden international century. This remarkable achievement marked the beginning of an illustrious career that would redefine the sport.At just 17 years of age, Tendulkar faced a daunting task. India, trailing in the second Test against England, needed to bat out the final day to avoid defeat. With the pressure mounting, Tendulkar stepped up to the plate and delivered an unforgettable performance.His unbeaten 119 was a testament to his composure, technique, and maturity beyond his years. Tendulkar's innings was a masterclass in batting, showcasing his ability to play shots all around the wicket with ease. He dominated the English bowlers, hitting 16 fours and 2 sixes.This century was not just a personal milestone for Tendulkar but also a turning point for Indian cricket. It signaled the arrival of a generational talent who would go on to become one of the greatest batsmen of all time.Tendulkar's maiden century was the first of his 51 Test centuries, a record that remains unmatched. He also holds the record for the most runs in international cricket, with over 34,000 runs across Tests, ODIs, and T20Is.Beyond his statistical achievements, Tendulkar's impact on cricket is immeasurable. He is celebrated for his humility, sportsmanship, and the inspiration he provided to countless cricketers around the world. His technique, consistency, and adaptability made him a role model for aspiring cricketers.Tendulkar's retirement from international cricket in 2013 marked the end of an era. However, his legacy continues to inspire and motivate cricketers and fans alike. His maiden international century remains a defining moment in cricket history, a testament to the brilliance and determination of one of the greatest players to ever grace the game.

Rocky Flintoff, the son of former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff, has made a remarkable start to his cricket career, scoring a maiden century for Lancashire's 2nd XI at the age of 16.Flintoff, who made his second-team debut earlier this month, reached three figures against Warwickshire at Edgbaston after a 39-run partnership with his older brother Corey. Batting at No. 5, Flintoff hit several early boundaries off Warwickshire's highly-rated seamer Che Simmons, including an inside-edge past his leg stump. He also hit a brace of leg-side sixes, the first reminiscent of his dad's pull shot and the second an effortless pick-up over midwicket.Flintoff put on exactly 100 in 14.3 overs with Saqib Mahmood, the England fast bowler, who is captaining Lancashire's 2nd XI as he continues his rehabilitation from a back stress fracture. He also spent 13 overs batting with his older Corey, 18, with the pair adding 39 for the seventh wicket.He reached his hundred when cutting Lintott through cover-point for a single, raising his left hand aloft in celebration as he ran through before raising his bat.Both Flintoff brothers have been in Lancashire's academy since a young age, and have played club cricket for Southport and Birkdale. They both attend Manchester Grammar School, the alma mater of former England players Michael Atherton and John Crawley as well as Lancashire's director of cricket Mark Chilton.Their father Andrew has returned to cricket in the last nine months, after suffering serious injuries in a high-speed crash while filming an episode of Top Gear in 2022. He will continue to work as a consultant with England at June's T20 World Cup after spending time with their white-ball and Lions teams, and will coach Northern Superchargers in the men's Hundred this summer.