Overview:
He pointed out that the steady start provided by them helped him to find his rhythm and play in his usual aggressive manner.
Sarfaraz Khan, known for his consistent form in domestic cricket, delivered a standout performance with an explosive 157 off 75 balls for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His dynamic innings helped Mumbai secure an 87-run victory over Goa on Wednesday, maintaining their lead in the Elite Group C standings. This impressive display further bolsters Sarfaraz’s bid for a spot in the senior Indian team.
Speaking to the Times of India, Sarfaraz discussed his innings and acknowledged the contribution of the Mumbai openers in navigating the tough phase. He pointed out that the steady start provided by them helped him to find his rhythm and play in his usual aggressive manner.
“When I came in, the run-rate wasn’t too high because the openers had successfully navigated the difficult first hour. Early morning conditions are always tough, with the ball moving around a bit. My focus was on getting myself in, and once the pitch became easier, I started attacking. We planned to accumulate as many runs as possible and set a big total,” Sarfaraz said.
“When I walked in, Musheer was in great form and was the first to bring up his fifty. I’ve played a lot of one-dayers, so I’m familiar with pacing an innings. I have a solid sweep and cut shot, and with only five fielders allowed outside the circle in this format, it gives me the freedom to play my shots,” Sarfaraz added.
Although his performance was remarkable, Sarfaraz felt there was something lacking. He expressed his regret that both he and his brother Musheer Khan were unable to score centuries together in the same match.
“We’ve always dreamed of both scoring centuries in the same match. We were close in the Ranji Trophy this season and again last week, but we both got out in the fifties. Today, with Musheer playing so well, I thought we might finally achieve it. But dreams don’t come true that easily,” he added.