LUCKNOW: India and Mumbai middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan had promised his household and teammates that he’ll “rating a double century” as a tribute to his brother — who met with an accident final week — and to assist the workforce win the Irani Cup. On Wednesday, he delivered on his promise by citing his fourth first-class double ton.
His unbeaten 222 additionally helped Mumbai publish 537 within the first innings in opposition to Remainder of India within the Irani Cup.It has been a troublesome week for Sarfaraz as his father (Naushad) and brother (Musheer) met with an accident whereas travelling from Azamgarh to Lucknow for the Irani Cup.
The one communication he had with them was over the telephone.
“It has been an emotional week for me. I had promised my household and teammates that ‘if I’m set, I’ll rating 200’. 100 for me and 100 for my brother. “If he had performed, Abbu would have been prouder. Sadly, he met with an accident. So, I believed I have to by some means rating a double ton on this match,” stated Sarfaraz.
He added: “I’ve been talking to Musheer on a regular basis. He’s advantageous however will take about two or three months to get well.”
The 26-year-old additionally highlighted the importance of the Irani Cup for the Mumbai workforce, which final gained the event within the 1997-98 season.
He emphasised that the workforce is able to give every part to carry the Cup after a 26-year hole.
“It’s an enormous alternative for us to win the Irani after 26 years. I’ve a fame for enjoying large knocks, and I’m glad I might ship when the workforce wanted me. I’ve performed within the event earlier and scored a century for Remainder of India, however it is a very emotional innings for me as I’m taking part in for my residence workforce.
“I’m placing in additional effort so Mumbai can carry the Cup. The entire workforce has labored laborious to get right here by profitable the Ranji Trophy (final season),” Sarfaraz stated.
The suitable-handed batter additionally felt that scoring runs in opposition to among the finest gamers within the nation would enhance his confidence.
“The climate was clearly a problem, however while you face among the finest gamers in India, lots of whom have performed for the nationwide workforce, I needed to make runs in opposition to them. It boosts my confidence. I used to be glad with the time I spent within the center,” he stated.