Irani Cup: Sarfaraz Khan Slams Stunning Double Century Two Days After Release From India Squad
Sarfaraz Khan scored a double ton [Source: @BCCIdomestic/Screengrab]
Sarfaraz Khan cannot stop scoring in the domestic circuit. Just two days after getting released from the India Test squad, the swashbuckling batter completed a stunning double century in the ongoing Irani Cup match between Mumbai and the Rest of India at the Ekana Stadium, Lucknow.
It took just 253 deliveries for the star batter to reach the landmark as he continues to flourish in the domestic circuit.
Sarfaraz came into bat when Mumbai were in a slightly precarious situation - 139/4, and stitched a crucial partnership with skiper Ajinkya Rahane, who played exceedingly well, but fell short of a hundred by three runs.
The batter was named in the India squad for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh. He was named as a substitute in the Kanpur Test, but was released from the squad, two days ago, to prioritise the Irani Cup.
On Day 1, he remained unbeaten at 54, and started Day 2 on an aggressive mode as he took on the Rest Of India attack with ease. He played with ease and never looked in trouble as he reached his second-ever Irani Cup hundred, with the first one coming in 2022.
Even after reaching the 100-run mark, he continued to bat with a positive frame of mind and reached his double ton in no time. His innings was laced with 23 fours and 3 sixes.
Mumbai dominate Rest of India
A close contest was expected between the two teams, but Mumbai have been dominant with the bat. Sarfaraz scored a double ton, and Rahane played a captain's knock. Even Shreyas Iyer and Tanush Kotian contributed with half-centuries as Mumbai have the grip on this game.
The Rest of India bowlers started promisingly on Day 1, taking out three early wickets, but since then, Mumbai have dominated the proceedings, and currently the team is at 487/8, which is their highest-ever total in Irani Cup.