New Delhi, Jan 23 (.) Mumbai batsman Sarfaraz Khan emerged as the most inspirational performer of the ongoing Ranji Trophy round, producing a breathtaking 227 to propel his side to a commanding position against Hyderabad.
Sarfaraz’s majestic innings, studded with 19 fours and nine sixes and scored at a faster than run-a-ball pace, lifted Mumbai to a massive 560 in the first innings. Siddhesh Lad also struck a century, while Suved Parkar added 75.
In reply, Hyderabad lost their openers cheaply before Gahlaut Singh and Kodimela Himateja offered resistance.
Sarfaraz’s knock, laced with 19 fours and nine sixes, was scored at a brisk pace rarely seen in red-ball cricket and underlined his dominance against the bowling attack. His innings set the tone for Mumbai’s control of the match and showcased an ideal blend of patience and aggression.
While several players delivered notable performances, Sarfaraz’s effort stood out for its match-defining impact and authority. Vidarbha’s Yash Rathod also impressed with a resolute 115 after his side slipped to 45 for 4, steering a strong recovery and helping his team secure a vital first-innings lead against Andhra.
However, Sarfaraz’s ability to seize the game decisively and inspire with fearless strokeplay in a traditional format marked him out as the standout performer of the round.
Vidarbha recovered superbly against Andhra after slipping to 45 for 4, thanks to Yash Rathod’s composed 115. Rathod found support from the lower order, with Darshan Nalkande scoring 36 and Nachiket Bhute chipping in, as Vidarbha reached 295 and claimed a 75-run first-innings lead.
Chandigarh tightened their grip over Kerala with Manan Vohra and Arjun Azad scoring centuries. After securing a 277-run first-innings lead, Chandigarh reduced Kerala to 21 for 2 in the second innings, leaving the hosts on the brink of an innings defeat.
Maharashtra gained a 97-run lead over Goa on the back of Ruturaj Gaikwad’s fluent 66 off 111 balls and an unbeaten 95 from Saurabh Nawal, with two wickets still in hand.
Chhattisgarh dominated Delhi as centuries from Ayush Pandey and Agrim Tiwary powered them to 351 for 2 after bowling Delhi out for 216. The hosts finished with a commanding 135-run first-innings advantage.
Jharkhand declared at a mammoth 561 for 6 against Uttar Pradesh, highlighted by centuries from Sharandeep Singh (139) and Kumar Kushagra (102). Uttar Pradesh then faltered to 32 for 3 in reply, staring at a massive deficit.
Among the bowlers, Sonu Yadav delivered a match-turning spell of 5 for 30 as Tamil Nadu secured a crucial first-innings lead by dismissing Odisha for 148. Tamil Nadu ended the day at 26 for 1 in their second innings, moving 164 runs ahead.
Akash Deep and Mohammed Shami combined to leave Services under severe pressure, reducing them to 126 for 8 and still 393 runs behind Bengal’s first-innings total at Kalyani.
Saurashtra completed a comprehensive two-day win over Punjab as Parth Bhut and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja claimed five wickets each in the second innings. Punjab, chasing 319 on a turning track, were bowled out for 125, with Shubman Gill enduring a disappointing match.
Group B leaders Karnataka struggled against Madhya Pradesh, slumping to 168 for 8 in reply to 323. Saransh Jain led the bowling with three wickets, while Aneesh KV’s unbeaten 80 helped reduce the deficit to 155.
In other matches, Baroda crushed Nagaland by an innings and six runs after posting 353 in their only innings, with half-centuries from Jyotsnil Singh, Shivalik Sharma, Krunal Pandya and Mahesh Pithiya. Nagaland were dismissed for 141 in their second innings, with Pithiya and Atit Sheth taking three wickets each.
Uttarakhand scripted a remarkable comeback against Tripura, recovering from 128 for 6 to reach 299 for 6. J Suchith (84 not out) and Saurabh Rawat (80 not out) shared an unbroken 171-run stand to give Uttarakhand a 33-run lead.
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