In a dominant display at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Mumbai crushed Hyderabad in their Ranji Trophy sixth-round clash, piling up 560 runs in the first innings thanks to Sarfaraz Khan’s masterful double century. The right-hander, fresh off explosive performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, unleashed his white-ball flair in the longer format, smashing 227 runs off 219 balls with 19 fours and 9 sixes from the number five spot.
Sarfaraz’s innings wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was the cornerstone of Mumbai’s massive total. This marked his fifth first-class double hundred, and during the knock, he crossed the 5,000-run mark in first-class cricket. His partnerships were the highlight: a crucial 249-run stand for the fourth wicket with Siddhesh Lad, who notched a patient 104 off 179 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes), followed by 114 runs for the sixth with Suved Parkar, who fired 75 off 98 deliveries (11 fours, 1 six).
Openers Akhil Herwadkar (27) and Akash Anand (35) laid a solid 60-run foundation before Atharva Ankolekar chipped in with a quick 35 off 22 balls. Hyderabad’s bowlers toiled hard, with CTL Rakshan leading the charge by claiming 4 wickets for 107 runs in 24 overs. Rohit Rayudu picked up two, while captain Mohammed Siraj, Nitin Sai Yadav, and Kodimela Madhusudan Himateja grabbed one each.
Mumbai’s batting depth and Sarfaraz’s brilliance have put them firmly in control, setting a daunting target and exposing Hyderabad’s bowling frailties. As the match progresses, the hosts face an uphill battle to respond effectively on a pitch offering little assistance.