India A' Sarfaraz Khan once again proved his batting might by hitting a spectacular century off just 89 balls against England Lions on Day 2 of the second unofficial Test on January 25. Sarfaraz Khan's remarkable knock came at a crucial time for India A, who were once reeling on 22/4. Despite his consistent performances in First-Class cricket, Sarfaraz Khan was not selected for India's Test squad against England. He wasn't even considered as Virat Kohli's replacement from the first two Tests against England.
Currently, the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team are engaged in the first Test of a five-match series with England at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Hyderabad. Simultaneously, in Ahmedabad, India A are facing England Lions in the second unofficial Test match. Both Sarfaraz Khan and Devdutt Paddikkal have smashed centuries in the match, with India A leading by 212 runs as of now 86 in reply to England Lions' 152.
Sarfaraz's spellbinding knock of 129 off 115 as of 86 overs, was decorated with 13 fours and five sixes. He has been eagerly awaiting his first call-up to the Indian national team, boasting an impressive record in his First-Class career. Currently, he is a regular member of the India A team and represents Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.
India A's innings began promisingly with openers Abhimanyu Easwaran (58) and Devdutt Padikkal (105) putting together a 162-run stand. However, the team then lost four wickets for just 22 runs. Then Sarfaraz Khan took the crease to steady India A's boat. The 26-year-old combined with Washington Sundary (57) to steady India A's boat. As of writing this story 364/6, with Sarfaraz Khan still unscathed on the crease.
Sarfaraz Khan's 89-ball blitzkrieg
In his First-Class career, Sarfaraz has scored 3751 runs in 65 innings, averaging 68.20. This impressive record includes 13 centuries and 11 half-centuries, with his highest score being an unbeaten 301*. Despite his consistent high performances in First-Class cricket, he has been overlooked for selection in the Indian national team. Recently, with Virat Kohli withdrawing from the first two Tests against England for personal reasons, Rajat Patidar was chosen as his replacement, once again bypassing Sarfaraz Khan. However, Sarfaraz continues to bang Indian selectors' door with his stunning performances
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