Reaching a double hundred in the Irani Cup against the Rest of India, middle-order batter for Mumbai, Sarfaraz Khan. Expressed an emotional promise to his family.
Sarfaraz said he told them that the moment he gets to 200 runs, 100 kudos would go to his younger brother Musheer Khan, who recently met with a car accident.
Sarfaraz remained not out in the match, belting 222 runs off 286 balls, laced with 25 fours and four sixes. “It has been an emotional week for me. I had promised my family and teammates that if I will cross fifty, score a double hundred—100 for me and 100 for my brother,” he said.
He further said, “If Musheer had played, our father Naushad would have been prouder. Unfortunately, he met with an accident. So, I thought I had to score a double ton in this match.” According to various media reports, Musheer suffered a fracture in the neck region following the road accident.
While the splendid double century of Sarfaraz stole all the headlines on Day 3 of this match. Abhimanyu Easwaran also didn’t disappoint either as he got a price for the Rest of India. Easwaran made 151 runs in 212 balls, laced with 12 fours and one six. This was his third score of over 150 in his last seven first-class innings.
A deserving performance that did a lot to advance his claim for a place as a backup opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia next month. In reply, the Rest of India, trailing by 248 runs at the end of Day 3, had Easwaran batting unbeaten on 151. And keeper Dhruv Jurel not out 30.
The match was also a skill involvement for both players, increasing the thrill of the Irani Cup. The emotional drive by Sarfaraz and the strong performance by Easwaran outlined the spirit of winning and survival in cricket. As the game goes on, the fans await how the teams will progress within the next few days.
ANI
