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Sarfaraz Khan made headlines on Wednesday by scoring a stunning double-century in the Irani Cup match against Rest of India at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. At just 26 years and 346 days old, Sarfaraz became the fourth-youngest player to achieve this milestone, further solidifying his reputation as one of India’s promising batting talents.
His innings came just two days after being released from the Indian Test squad, where he had been named as a substitute for the two-match series against Bangladesh. This performance serves as a strong statement of his capabilities and determination to excel in domestic cricket.
A Stellar Performance Amidst Changes
Batting at No. 6 for Mumbai, Sarfaraz walked into a challenging situation with the team at 139/4. He formed a crucial partnership with skipper Ajinkya Rahane, who narrowly missed out on a century himself. Together, they put on a remarkable 141-run stand for the fifth wicket. Sarfaraz’s innings was characterized by patience and aggression, as he reached his double century in just 253 deliveries, hitting 23 fours and 3 sixes along the way.
By the end of Day 1, he had already made a significant contribution with an unbeaten score of 54. On Day 2, he continued his aggressive approach and celebrated his double century with enthusiasm, marking it as his second double ton in first-class cricket.
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Historical Context of His Achievement
Sarfaraz’s achievement places him among an elite group of players. He is now behind only Yashasvi Jaiswal, who is the youngest to score a double century in the Irani Cup at 21 years and 63 days, Pravin Amre (22 years and 80 days), and Gundappa Viswanath (25 years and 255 days). This remarkable feat not only highlights Sarfaraz’s skill but also positions him as a key player for Mumbai cricket.
This innings also set a record for the highest score by a Mumbai batter in Irani Cup history, surpassing Ramnath Parkar’s previous record of 195 runs set in 1972. Such milestones are significant not just for Sarfaraz but also for Mumbai cricket as they continue to produce exceptional talent.
Sarfaraz’s Test Career So Far
Sarfaraz Khan’s Test career has shown promise since his debut against England, where he scored twin fifties. In three Tests, he has accumulated 200 runs at an average of 50, showcasing his potential to be a mainstay in India‘s batting lineup. However, his recent form in domestic competitions has been inconsistent; during the Duleep Trophy playing for India B, he managed only 71 runs across three innings.
Despite these challenges, his performance in the Irani Cup underscores his ability to bounce back and make significant contributions when it matters most.
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