Sarfaraz Khan hits double century as Mumbai dominate Hyderabad in Ranji Trophy

Sarfaraz Khan smashed 227 and Suved Parkar added 75 as Mumbai piled up 560 against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match. G Rahul Singh’s unbeaten 82 helped Hyderabad reach 138 for two at stumps on day two

Hyderabad: India star Sarfaraz Khan cracked a brilliant double century (227, 219b, 19×4, 9×6) and Suved Parkar a fluent 75 (98b, 11×4, 1×6) to help Mumbai post an imposing 560 against Hyderabad on the second day of the four-day Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium here on Friday.

In reply, G Rahul Singh (82 batting, 129b, 11×4, 1×6), who was dropped once and survived a couple of close calls for lbw, and K Himateja (40 batting, 84b, 6×4) ensured a strong reply with an unbeaten century stand as the home team scored 138 for two in 41 overs at close of play.

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The two showed a lot of discipline and decent stroke selection to keep the spirited Mumbai bowlers at bay.

Earlier, the focus was on the free-stroking Sarfaraz with Mumbai resuming at the overnight score of 332 for four. He did not let down his team with some breathtaking strokes all around the wicket. The way he stepped out to cart India pacer and Hyderabad captain Mohd Siraj into the second tier over long-off was a treat to watch.

Hyderabad bowlers were once again let down by sloppy catching.

Sarfaraz, who credited his double century to tips from former India captain Mohd Azharuddin, unleashed brilliant strokes and the ease with which he picked gaps or cleared the fence was remarkable on a pitch which was not easy to bat on.

The Mumbai double centurion picked pacer Rakshan Readdi for special treatment, carting him for three sixes in one over before the latter had the last laugh as he was the sixth batter out at 488 in 111 overs.

A cameo by Atharva Ankolekar (35 n.o., 22b, 5×4, 1×6) after Suved Parkar’s fluent knock, who was run out, propped up the Mumbai total.

In reply, Hyderabad was off to a dismal start with pacer Tushar Deshpande cleaning up opener Abhirath Reddy (4) in the first over.

Mumbai all-rounder Atharva was carried off on a stretcher after he sustained a torn meniscus which ruled him out of this match and action for the next four weeks.

The scores: 2nd day: Mumbai 560 in 123.2 overs (Siddhesh Lad 104, Sarfaraz Khan 227, Suved Parkar 75, Atharva Ankolekar 35 n.o., Rakshan Readdi 4/107, Rohit Rayudu 2/123) vs Hyderabad 138/2 in 41 overs (G Rahul Singh 82 batting, K Himateja 40 batting).