Irani Cup 2024: Sarfaraz’s double ton leads Mumbai to dominate first innings

Indian rising star Sarfaraz Khan made headlines by scoring a remarkable double century for Mumbai in the ongoing Irani Cup against Rest of India on Wednesday.

In the first innings, Sarfaraz smashed 221 runs from 276 balls, hitting four massive sixes and 25 boundaries. His incredible knock made him the first player ever to score a double hundred for Mumbai in the Irani Cup.

At the end of day two, Mumbai reached 536/9 after 138 overs.

Several former players, including Wasim Jaffer (Vidarbha), Ravi Shastri, Praveen Amre, and Yashasvi Jaiswal (all for Rest of India), have achieved double centuries in the Irani Cup, putting Sarfaraz in elite company.

Despite facing a tough week due to personal family issues, Sarfaraz stayed focused and played aggressively against the opposition.

On day one, Mumbai captain Ajinkya Rahane came close to a century but was dismissed for 97 off 234 balls. Other key players like Prithvi Shaw (4), Ayush Mhatre (19), Shams Mulani (5), and Shardul Thakur (36) failed to reach half-centuries, leaving Sarfaraz with the largest contribution to Mumbai’s total.

Shreyas Iyer (57) and Tanush Kotian (64) also made notable efforts to boost the score.

After reaching his milestone, the 26-year-old celebrated by kissing the Lion’s crest on his shirt before delivering what was described as the best shot of the day.

If the match ends in a draw, Mumbai will claim the Irani Cup trophy with a first-innings lead.