Ranji Trophy 2026/27: Sarfaraz ton puts Mumbai in control against Himachal Pradesh

FILE PHOTO: Sarfaraz Khan made full use of the surface, which eased out after offering bounce early on. | Photo Credit: EMMANUAL YOGINI

Sarfaraz Khan raised his bat and helmet to acknowledge the applause, then dropped to one knee, leaning on his bat as he savoured the moment. There was no grand celebration, just a quiet pause after a satisfying hundred.

His unbeaten 139 (213b, 18x4) guided Mumbai to a commanding 398 for four on the second day of its Group D Ranji Trophy fixture against Himachal Pradesh at the Luhnu Cricket Ground on Monday, with the lead swelling to 258 runs.

Under a relentless sun, Sarfaraz made the Himachal bowlers toil for answers.

The surface, which had offered some extra bounce early on, gradually eased out, and the Mumbai batter made full use of it. Initially content to play in the ‘V’, he grew more assured as the innings progressed, finding the gaps and punishing loose deliveries without appearing in any hurry.

Overlooked for India’s tour of New Zealand, Sarfaraz had a timely response with the bat. He first combined with captain Siddhesh Lad (87, 188b, 14x4, 1x6) for a 68-run stand for the fourth wicket, before joining Akash Anand (58 n.o., 152b, 6x4) in an unbroken partnership of 176 that took Mumbai further ahead.

At the other end, Akash, who had been unable to keep wickets on the opening day because of finger discomfort, provided steady support as the pair kept the bowlers at bay.

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Lad, meanwhile, came agonisingly close to another century before being caught at mid-off by Ankit Guleria off Abhishek Kumar shortly after lunch. He and Sarfaraz’s younger brother Musheer Khan (57, 137b, 10x4) had added 122 runs for the third wicket, putting Mumbai in the driver’s seat. Musheer had looked settled before being caught behind by Innesh Mahajan off a Jitender Rana delivery.

The dismissals did little to derail Mumbai. Sarfaraz took charge, with Akash holding firm at the other end, as Himachal let the game slip away.