diff --git a/t/perf/p9210-scalar.sh b/t/perf/p9210-scalar.sh
index 265f7cd1fe..56b075e906 100755
--- a/t/perf/p9210-scalar.sh
+++ b/t/perf/p9210-scalar.sh
@@ -7,7 +7,8 @@ test_perf_large_repo "$TRASH_DIRECTORY/to-clone"
 
 test_expect_success 'enable server-side partial clone' '
 	git -C to-clone config uploadpack.allowFilter true &&
-	git -C to-clone config uploadpack.allowAnySHA1InWant true
+	git -C to-clone config uploadpack.allowAnySHA1InWant true &&
+	git -C to-clone checkout -B test-branch
 '
 
 test_perf 'scalar clone' '