Sarfaraz Khan struck a counter-attacking 111 to bail Mumbai out of trouble against Haryana in their All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament clash in Chennai on Tuesday.
Mumbai was at one point suffering at 84/4 after opting to bat on the first day, when the Indian batsman took charge and hammered nine fours and five sixes in his 112-ball knock to revive his team’s innings.
At the MRF Pachaiyappa’s Ground, the right-handed batter reached his century with a six off his 99th ball after scoring 138 against the TNCA XI earlier in the tournament.
Sarfaraz was not selected for the tour of England and has been absent from the Indian team since the tour of Australia. He made his Test debut against England at Rajkot last year.
Mumbai had earlier faltered from 69 for no loss to 84 for four, losing their openers Suryansh Shedge (1), Pragnesh Kanpillewar (3), Divyaansh Saxena (46), and Musheer Khan (30) in quick succession.
Mumbai reached 346/9 at stumps, with Shams Mulani on 50 not out but Tanush Kotian missing his milestone after falling for 48.
Ruturaj Gaikwad bounced back in style with a commanding 133 off 144 balls (10 fours, 4 sixes), steering Maharashtra to a total of 440 against Himachal Pradesh. He was well supported by Arshin Kulkarni, who struck 146 off 190 deliveries (16 fours, 1 six). For Himachal, Prince Thakur was the standout bowler, claiming 7/144.
Shashank Tiwary of Chhattisgarh came back with 5/54 to help bowl out the TNCA President’s XI for 266. Chhattisgarh’s response was 4/0.
With Chandrasekar DT getting three wickets, the TNCA XI rallied as Bengal fell to 58/4, 145 runs behind. Rahul Prasad took 5/44 for Bengal.
