Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad
Hyderabad, Jan 23: India batter Sarfaraz Khan delivered a breathtaking batting display, smashing a fluent double century to put Mumbai firmly on top against Hyderabad in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.
Sarfaraz powered his way to 227 runs off 219 balls, registering the fifth double hundred of his first-class career. His commanding knock, played at a strike rate of 103.65, was studded with 19 fours and nine towering sixes, underlining his aggressive intent throughout the innings.
One of the standout features of his knock was his dominance against India pacer and Hyderabad captain Mohammed Siraj, from whom he plundered 45 runs off just 39 deliveries, unsettling the opposition attack.
Walking in with Mumbai struggling at 82 for 3, Sarfaraz stitched together a crucial 249-run partnership for the fourth wicket with stand-in skipper Siddhesh Lad, who contributed a composed 104. The duo’s effort propelled Mumbai past the 500-run mark and decisively swung the contest in their favour. During the innings, Sarfaraz also crossed the landmark of 5,000 first-class runs.
The right-hander has been enjoying a remarkable run of form across formats. Recently, he grabbed headlines in the Vijay Hazare Trophy by smashing a record-breaking 15-ball half-century against Punjab — the fastest by an Indian male batter in List A cricket — surpassing the previous record of 16 balls held by Abhijit Kale and Atit Sheth.
Sarfaraz ended the 50-over tournament as Mumbai’s leading run-scorer, accumulating 303 runs at a staggering strike rate of 190.56. Although his last appearance for India came in a Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in November 2024, his consistent domestic performances continue to strengthen his case for a national recall.
He was also Mumbai’s second-highest run-getter in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this season, scoring 329 runs in seven matches at an average of 65.80 and an explosive strike rate of 203.80.
Adding to a stellar domestic season, Sarfaraz has secured an IPL 2026 contract with Chennai Super Kings, with the five-time champions picking him up at his base price of Rs. 75 lakh — further recognition of a batter operating at the peak of his powers.