In a remarkable display of skill, Test batter Sarfaraz Khan notched up an impressive 227 (with 19 fours and 9 sixes), propelling Mumbai to a staggering total of 560 all out against Hyderabad during Day Two of their Elite Group ‘D’ Ranji Trophy clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday. As the day ended, Hyderabad stood at 138-2.
Starting Day 2 at an overnight score of 142, Sarfaraz achieved his fifth double century and surpassed the 5,000-run milestone in first-class cricket, reaching this feat in just 61 matches. “Reaching my first 5000 runs in first-class cricket so early feels truly special, as not many players have accomplished this in such few games. Consistency in scoring runs, both at home and away, is quite challenging,” Sarfaraz shared with mid-day over the phone from Hyderabad.
Continuing his strong performance in white-ball formats, Sarfaraz amassed 329 runs, including a century and three fifties during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) last month, followed by 303 runs, featuring one century and two fifties in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. However, this double century marks his first Ranji century of the season, coming in his sixth match.
Having represented India in six Tests, Sarfaraz credited T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav for uplifting his spirits to achieve significant scores. “Surya has been instrumental in my success. I missed the first three matches of the SMAT, but when I finally got a chance in the fourth game against Assam, Surya offered me his batting position, No. 3. He advised me to focus on playing in front of the wicket instead of behind it, which I was often doing. Following his guidance, I scored an unbeaten 100 in that match. His encouragement has been vital for my confidence. He has watched me grow up, seeing the hard work my father Naushad and I have put in. His support means a lot, as he’s a fantastic captain who always considers his teammates,” Sarfaraz explained.
Sarfaraz noted that Surya’s advice has helped him refine his gameplay. “In the past, I tended to play cheeky shots behind the stumps. I didn’t realize I could execute better shots in front of the wicket. After taking Surya’s advice, I’ve been able to score big runs. Although I felt nervous when he left for the Indian team’s series against New Zealand, he kept in touch with me via phone afterward,” he added.
The powerful hitter struck nine sixes during his innings, particularly recalling one that cleared the head of India pacer Mohammed Siraj. “I believe I hit the longest six of my life against Siraj today. I stepped out and sent the ball soaring into the second tier of the stadium. It was a new ball too,” Sarfaraz said with pride.
In other news, Mumbai’s left-arm spinner Atharva Ankolekar was hospitalized on Thursday after replacing Shams Mulani, who had suffered a urine infection. Ankolekar, who remained unbeaten on 35 (5 fours, 1 six), injured a ligament while fielding without bowling a ball. He will return to Mumbai on Saturday.
5 – Number of double centuries by Sarfaraz Khan in first-class cricket
65.26 – Sarfaraz’s average in first-class cricket, ranking fifth in history
5090 – Total first-class runs scored by Sarfaraz Khan, surpassing the 5000-mark against Hyderabad.