Replaced by KL Rahul in the middle-order for Test series against Bangladesh, Sarfaraz Khan proved his mettle in the Irani Cup as the Mumbai batter scored a record-breaking 222 not out. Sarfaraz’s knock helped Mumbai post 537 despite top-order collapse and eventually win on the basis of first innings lead. After the match, Sarfaraz was named ‘Player of the match’. The 26-year-old dedicated the award to younger brother Musheer Khan who was in Mumbai squad but got injured in an unfortunate road accident on his way to Lucknow.
“I try to follow the process and whatever I have been doing with my Abbu. If you travel all around India, you are used to how the wickets play. One has to work all-around at their game, look at how the seniors are doing and also I need to work on my weaknesses. This trophy is the team's but I promised at home that I will make a hundred for Musheer who suffered an accident and this is for him,” Sarfaraz said in the post-match presentation.
Sarfaraz is the first Mumbai batter to score a double century in the Irani Cup. He is also the fourth-youngest to score a century in Irani Cup. The 26-year-old faced 286 deliveries and remained not out. His knock was laced with 25 fours and four sixes.
Sarfaraz is likely to retain his place in the squad for three-Test series against New Zealand starting on October 20 at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.
Musheer to be out of action for months
Meanwhile, Musheer who suffered an injury his neck is likely to stay out of action for up to six months. He will miss the initial part of the Ranji Trophy 2024. Last month, he scored 181 for India B against India A in Duleep Trophy 2024.
Big win for Mumbai
Ajinkya Rahane-led Mumbai won their 15th Irani Cup title. They won the trophy after a big gap of 27 years. The last time Mumbai won Irani Cup, Sanjay Manjrekar was leading the side.
