Irani Cup 2024: Sarfaraz Khan Breaks 52-Year-Old Record with a Scintillating Double Hundred vs Rest of India

Sarfaraz Khan smashed a scintillating double hundred in the ongoing Irani Cup against the Rest of India in Lucknow. The 26-year-old took 253 deliveries to reach the milestone, registering the highest score for Mumbai in Irani Cup history.

The Mumbaikar, who was released from India’s Test squad for the two-match series against Bangladesh, was dropped in the 90s by Prasidh Krishna. Sarfaraz seized the opportunity with a century off 149 balls, with the help of 14 strokes to the boundaries. In the next 104 deliveries, Sarfaraz added more than 100 runs to his score, smashing a total of 24 fours and 4 sixes.

On reaching the milestone, Sarfaraz took off the helmet and roared loudly before going down on his knees to acknowledge his Mumbai teammates.

Sarfaraz thus bettered former India batter Ramnath Parkar’s 52-year-old record for the highest score in the Irani Cup for Mumbai. Parkar scored an unbeaten 195 in the second innings of the fixture against the Rest of India in 1972. Mumbai’s current captain Ajinkya Rahane’s knock of 191 in 2010.

Highest Score for Mumbai in Irani Cup History

Sarfaraz Khan – 221* (2024)

Ramnath Parkar – 194* (1972)

Ajinkya Rahane – 191 (2010)

Sudhakar Adhikari – 173 (1963)

Zubin Bharucha – 164* (1994)

Sarfaraz, at 26 years and 346 days, also became the fourth-youngest player to score a double century in Irani Cup. His statemate Yashasvi Jaiswal is the youngest to achieve the feat at 21 years and 63 days. Pravin Amre (22 years and 80 days) and Gundappa Viswanath (25 years and 255 days) are the other two batter ahead of Sarfaraz.

Before notching up a double hundred, Sarfaraz featured in some crucial partnerships to help Mumbai pile up a 500-plus score. He joined Rahane as the duo cautiously navigated through the tricky conditions, stitching a 131-run stand for the fifth wicket. Sarfaraz then paired up with Tanush Kotian in a partnership of 183 runs off 254 balls.

Later, Shardul Thakur joined Sarfaraz in yet another fifty-plus partnership, for the ninth wicket.