Nothing but celebrations at the Khan residence as brothers Sarfaraz and Musheer scored centuries on January 25 for India 7,625 kilometres (approximately) away from each other. Musheer, the 18-year-old brother of Sarfaraz scored 118 runs from 106 balls against Ireland at Manguan Oval, Bloemfontein in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup 2023. In Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Sarfaraz made a statement with a 161-run knock for India A against England Lions in the second unofficial Test.
Musheer walked out to bat at no.3 after opener Adarsh Singh fell to John McNally. More than 10 overs later, McNally made Arshin Kulkarni his second victim. Musheer and skipper Uday Saharan dominated the proceedings against Irish bowlers with a 156-run partnership for the third wicket. Musheer batted till the 48th over before getting run out. He hit nine fours and four sixes in his 118-run knock from 106 deliveries. He helped India post 301/7 on the board.
“Wanted to score some runs with Musheer batting at the other end… He (Musheer) built the innings really well. It was challenging to bat today,” wicketkeeper-batter Aravelly Avanish lauded his teammate during the innings break.
On the other hand, Sarfaraz walked out to bat in the 41st over of the innings. The hosts had already taken the lead. But in the next few overs, Tilak Varma and Rinku Singh fell cheaply. India A were 184/4 and needed a partnership. Sarfaraz found the perfect partner in Washington Sundar. The two batters shared a 169-run partnership for the fifth wicket as Sundar scored 57 runs from 132 balls. Shortly after, wicketkeeper-batter Upendra Yadav departed without adding to the score.
Sarfaraz shared a 94-run partnership with Saurabh Kumar. The 26-year-old did not take the defensive approach. He smashed five sixes and 18 fours in his 161-run knock from 160 balls. He missed his chance to score a double century as Oliver Price trapped him in front of the wicket. Saurabh's 77-run knock helped India A post 489 and take a 337-run lead.
Sarfaraz has been knocking on selectors’ doors for a while now but is yet to receive his maiden call-up for the longest format. Recently, when Virat Kohli pulled out of the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons, Rajat Patidar was named as a replacement over Sarfaraz. Many criticised the selection as Sarfaraz has been consistent in red-ball cricket.
Note: The driving distance from Ahmedabad to Bloemfontein is 15,188 kms.
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