Ranji Trophy 2019/20: Sarfaraz Khan hits triple century against his former Ranji team

Taking charge of Mumbai's batting attack, batsman Sarfaraz Khan led his team to well-fought draw on Day Four against Uttar Pradesh at Wankhede Stadium and notched his first triple-hundred in first-class cricket. The right-hander, batting with fellow teammate Akash Parkar on one end, decided to take the aerial route and smashed Rinku Singh a six on the on-side to reach the 300-mark in 'Virender Sehwag' style.

The young lad took 388 balls to reach the 300-run mark and scored 30 fours and eight sixes along the way. He celebrated his triple century in zest and acknowledged his teammates along with his father-cum-coach Naushad Khan, who was watching from the MCA pavilion.

Khan's knock came at a crucial stage as Mumbai were left shattered at 16/2 against UP's 625. However, Sarafarz Khan batted with class and showed his grit by ensuring a well-deserved draw for his team. 

Khan’s 301* is now the second-highest score in first-class cricket while batting at number six. The highest is by Karun Nair who hit 328 in the 2014/15 Ranji Trophy final also at the Wankhede Stadium.

Interestingly, the 22-year-old was a former UP Ranji team player and in 2015, he was in Wankhede for an UP vs Mumbai match, playing for Uttar Pradesh. On Wednesday, he batted in a UP vs Mumbai match but only this time, he was playing for Mumbai.

Sarfaraz Khan's innings were the highlight of the match but co-joined efforts from skipper Aditya Tare and Siddhesh Lad were also contributing factors for the draw. Unfortunately, skipper Aditya Tare missed his century by three runs and Siddhesh Lad got out on 98.

Khan's teammate Shreyas Iyer congratulated him and the team on his feat:

Wow amazing match #MUMvUP 🤯🤯 Well done Sarfaraz, Lad, Tare and the rest of the #TeamMumbai boys 👏

— Shreyas Iyer (@ShreyasIyer15) January 22, 2020

Alongside, former cricketer Mohammed Kaif was all praises for the youngster:

Not often does life give you a second chance. And when it does you need to grab it with both hands. Sarfaraz Khan certainly has grabbed his comeback chance with both hands. Mumbai 16/2 in pursuit of UP’s 626 and an outstanding triple century from Sarfaraz to get the lead. pic.twitter.com/S7mNsXicNe

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 22, 2020