Sarfaraz Khan, known for his ability to score big, delivered a masterful knock of 222 runs to guide Mumbai to a massive 537 all out on the third day of their match, all while his younger brother Musheer was recovering from a road accident.
Musheer had been en route to the city with their father Naushad Khan to play in the Irani Cup when the accident occurred, leaving him unable to participate. Sarfaraz, 26, had made a promise to his family and teammates that he would score a double hundred, one half for himself and the other for his brother.
Speaking after the match, Sarfaraz said, “It has been an emotional week for me, and I wanted to make my family proud with this innings.” His knock has also brought him closer to a potential spot in the Indian Test team.
Overcoming Challenges on a Tricky Pitch
Playing at the Ekana Stadium, Sarfaraz faced a challenging pitch, which initially had moisture and extra bounce. This made it difficult for batters to settle in, but Sarfaraz’s regal off-side driving and impeccable footwork against the spinners shone through.
He was particularly brutal against left-arm spinner Manav Suthar, who struggled to contain him. As the innings progressed, Sarfaraz found ways to counter the negative leg-stump line bowling, employing a combination of inside-out shots and powerful slog sweeps for maximums. Despite the testing conditions, Sarfaraz remained focused on his goal to help Mumbai win the Irani Cup for the first time in years.
A Personal Milestone and Team Ambitions
Sarfaraz’s 15th first-class century marked a significant milestone as he became the first player to score a double century for Mumbai in the Irani Cup.
Reflecting on his performance, Sarfaraz expressed his satisfaction at contributing to Mumbai’s campaign to reclaim the cup. “We are up against some of the best players in India, and this is a big opportunity for us,” he said. His focus was not just on personal glory but on lifting the Irani Cup with his team, driven by the collective effort that saw Mumbai win the Ranji Trophy the previous season.
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