Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Sarfaraz double ton takes Mumbai to mammoth 560 against Hyderabad on Day 2

Sarfaraz Khan fought through a painful bone swelling in his right wrist with the same resolve he showed against a Mohammed Siraj-led Hyderabad attack, steering Mumbai to a mammoth 560 in the first innings of their Ranji Trophy clash at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.

Resuming on his overnight 142, Sarfaraz was uncharacteristically subdued by his standards as he negotiated the new ball. He brought up his 150 with the first boundary of the day, acknowledging the applause with a calm raise of the bat.

With 352 runs on the board and Mumbai intent on batting Hyderabad out of the contest, the 28-year-old shifted gears. Slipping seamlessly into T20 mode, he lit up the wagon wheel and found a willing ally in Suved Parkar, the pair adding 92 runs in just 16 overs before drinks. Suved raced to a 52-ball half-century in the process.

Sarfaraz’s discomfort was evident yet his stroke play was unaffected. A majestic straight drive off Siraj soared into the second tier, followed soon after by an improvised maximum over the slip cordon.

Moments later, he reached his fifth First-Class double century, and fourth in the Ranji Trophy, after which the dam finally broke. The helmet came off before the single was completed and, with his arms stretched, did a small lap before turning towards the dressing room and shouting “Mumbai maji aai aahe” (Mumbai is my mother).

Sarfaraz Khan also put up a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Suved Parker.
| Photo Credit:
K.VS. Giri

Freed of the milestone’s weight, he attacked with greater intent. One audacious, tennis-ball-like swing sent the ball sailing straight down the ground and over the Hyderabad pavilion, leaving his opponents in grudging awe.

Rakshann Readdi, however, brought an end to a scintillating knock, as he breached Sarfaraz’s defence, but the damage was done, courtesy a massive 154-run stand with Suved. Mumbai lost wickets in quick succession thereafter, adding only 72 more runs before being bowled out.

Hyderabad found itself two down and staring at a deficit of 522, with Tushar Deshpande removing Abhirath Reddy off the fourth ball of the innings and Himanshu Singh sending back debutant Aman Rao.

Vice-captain Rahul Singh and K. Himateja, however, showed resolve, absorbing a number of bruising body blows along the way, to prevent any further losses. Rahul brought up a brisk 62-ball fifty shortly after tea, and the duo completing a 100-run stand off the final ball of the day, offering Hyderabad some hope of fighting for a draw at least.

Published on Jan 23, 2026