Sarfaraz Khan slams 2nd century in Buchi Babu tournament to bang on selectors doors, whacks 5 sixes in ODI-like knock

India’s discarded batter Sarfaraz Khan continued his rich vein of form with second century in ongoing Buchi Babu tournament. Mumbai’s middle-order batter launched a counter-attack against Haryana as Mumbai lost four wickets within a space of 15 runs. He smashed nine fours and five sixes in his almost run-a-ball 111. 

Sarfaraz reached three figures from 99 balls on Day 1 of Mumbai’s third Buchi Babu clash. He was not part of the side against Bengal last week which ended in a draw. 

Sarfaraz started the season with a ton

In Mumbai's first game of the tournament, he scored 138 runs from 114 balls, featuring 10 fours and six sixes before retiring out. In Mumbai's second innings against TNCA XI, he contributed with a 35-ball 36. Mumbai ended up losing the match by two wickets.

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Sarfaraz banging on selectors’ doors

For now, there are one or two positions that are not set in the Indian batting order. Neither Sai Sudharsan, nor Karun Nair have solidified the no.3 spot. Also, in the absence of Rishabh Pant, the middle-order looked weak. 

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There is plenty of time to go for India’s next Test assignment, which is a two-Test series against West Indies starting October 2. Later this year, India will also play a two-Test series against South Africa. 

Meanwhile, Sarfaraz will have a chance to further impress the selectors in the Duleep Trophy 2025. West Zone have already qualified for the semifinal which will begin on September 4. He will play under the captaincy of Shardul Thakur. 

Kashyap stars for Haryana

Earlier in the game, Mumbai captain Tanush Kotian won the toss and opted to bat first. Musheer Khan and Divyansh Saxena shared a 69-run partnership which was broken in the 22nd over by Nikhil Kashyap. Musheer scored 30 runs from 66 balls. Pragnesh Kanpillewar and Suryansh Shedge failed to make an impact and became Kashyap's victims. Then, opener Saxena missed his fifty. He scored 46 runs from 106 balls.

Sarfaraz and Hardik Tamore shared an 117-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Tamore was dismissed for a 73-ball 39 by Ishant Bhardwaj. Kashyap returned to dismiss Sairaj Patil to complete his fifer. Sarfaraz became Kashyap's sixth scalp of the day. Mumbai were 256/7 in the 70th war when Sarfaraz returned to the pavillion.