Sarfaraz slams fastest List A fifty for IND batter but Punjab stun Mumbai with 1-run win

In a bizarre Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26, Mumbai were bowled out for 215 in 26.2 overs by Punjab in a run chase of 217. At one point, Mumbai were 191/4 in the 20th over, riding high on Sarfaraz Khan's record-breaking fifty. But Gurnoor Brar and Mayank Markande staged Punjab's comeback, leading their side to a thrilling one-run win in Jaipur's Jaipuria Vidhyalaya Ground on January 8.

Punjab were bowled out for 216 in 45.1 overs despite half-centuries from Anmolpreet Singh (75-ball 75) and Ramandeep Singh (74-ball 72). In the run chase, Musheer Khan departed for a 22-ball 21 to Brar. Then, his older brother Sarfaraz arrived at the crease and wreaked havoc. He smashed left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma for 30 runs in the 10th over. Meanwhile, Angkrish Raghuvanshi departed for a 32-ball 23.

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Sarfaraz slams record-breaking fifty

Sarfaraz raced to his half-century from 15 balls. He broke the record for fastest List A fifty by an India batter. The previous record from 16 balls was jointly held by Maharashtra's Abhijit Kale and Baroda's Atit Sheth. Kale achieved the feat against Baroda in 1995. Sheth replicated it against Chattisgarh in 2021.

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Brar, Markande’s 4-fers hand Punjab thrilling win

Sarfaraz was dismissed lbw by Markande in the 15th over. He hit five sixes and seven fours in his 20-ball 62. After his wicket, skipper Shreyas Iyer continued to keep up the tempo. But, Suryakumar Yadav (12-ball 15) and Shivam Dube (6-ball 12) were dismissed cheaply by Brar. In the 23rd over, Iyer lost his wicket to Markande. He scored 45 runs from 34 balls, including four fours and two sixes.

Then, Harnoor Singh chipped in with the wicket of Hardik Tamore who scored 15 runs. Sairaj Patil looked to dig in his heels but knocked over by Brar. In the 27th over, Shams Mulani was left stranded on one end as Shashank Attarde and Onkar Tarmale were dismissed by Markande off consecutive deliveries. Mumbai were bowled out for 215 and lost the match by one run.

Punjab, Mumbai progress to Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts

However, the one-run win won’t affect Mumbai’s qualification chances. They have already qualified with five wins from seven games. Punjab carried confidence into the knockouts, registering their sixth win in the group stage.