Sarfaraz Khan continued his stellar form in domestic cricket and played a sensational knock of 157 runs from just 75 deliveries against Goa in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. He played a key role in the team's comprehensive 87-run win which kept them at the top of Elite Group C with 16 points. They have so far won four consecutive games in the tournament.
Sarfaraz credits the openers
Following the conclusion of the match, Sarfaraz credited the Mumbai openers for handling the first hour phase that allowed him to play his natural attacking game when he came out to bat at No.4. He also opened up on the 93-run partnership that he formed alongside his brother Musheer Khan, who also played a valiant knock of 60.
"When I came in, the run-rate wasn't too high because both openers saw off the tricky first hour. It's always difficult in the morning when the ball is doing a bit. I settled down first and then attacked as the pitch eased out. The plan was to score as many runs as possible and set a strong target," Sarfaraz told The Times of India.
"By the time I came to the crease, Musheer was batting really well. He was the first to reach fifty. I've played plenty of one-dayers and I know how to pace an innings. I have a good sweep and cut, and in this format you can't have more than five fielders out. That gives me freedom to play my shots," he added.
Sarfaraz expresses deep regret
Despite being named the Player of the Match and playing a memorable knock, Sarfaraz still wasn't satisfied. He expressed disappointment and regret over the fact that both him and his brother Musheer failed to score centuries in the same match. The 28-year-old further remarked that it is their dream to bring up their hundreds in the same game.
"We have a common dream of scoring hundreds in the same game. We were close in the Ranji Trophy this season and again last week, but we both got out in the fifties. Today, Musheer was batting so well and I thought we could do it. But dreams don't come true that quickly," Sarfaraz further said.
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Meanwhile, Sarfaraz will next be in action during the fifth round of the Vijay Hazare Trophy where Mumbai will face-off against the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led Maharashtra team on January 3.