Sarfaraz Khan delivered a staggering reminder of his credentials by rewriting the Vijay Hazare Trophy record books, even as his heroics went unrewarded in Mumbai’s narrow defeat to Punjab. Overlooked for the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand and still outside the Test set-up despite a strong domestic record, Sarfaraz produced a breathtaking assault in Round 7 of the tournament. The Mumbai batter smashed the fastest half-century in Vijay Hazare Trophy history, racing to the landmark in just 15 balls. In the process, he eclipsed the previous record held by Baroda’s Atit Sheth, who had reached fifty off 16 deliveries against Chhattisgarh in the 2020–21 season.
From the moment he arrived at the crease, Sarfaraz went on the offensive. He dismantled the Punjab attack with ease and delivered the highlight of the innings by hammering Abhishek Sharma for 30 runs in a single over. His explosive knock eventually ended at 62 off just 20 balls, studded with seven fours and five sixes, before Mayank Markande brought his innings to a halt. Despite Sarfaraz’s stunning effort, Mumbai fell agonisingly short, losing the chase by a single run. Pursuing a target of 216, Mumbai suffered early setbacks as Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Musheer Khan departed for 23 and 21 respectively. Sarfaraz’s counter-attack dragged the chase back on course, but once he fell, the pressure returned. Captain Shreyas Iyer attempted to steady the innings with a composed 45 but was also dismissed by Markande. The lower middle order could not finish the job. Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube and Hardik Tamore were dismissed for 15, 12 and 15, allowing Punjab to hold their nerve at the death. Mayank Markande and Gurnoor Brar led the bowling effort with four wickets apiece, while Krish Bhagat and Harnoor Singh chipped in with one each. Earlier in the day, Punjab posted 216 after being asked to bat first. Ramandeep Singh anchored the innings with 72 off 74 balls, while Anmolpreet Singh added a crucial 57 from 75 deliveries. Mumbai’s bowlers shared the workload, with Musheer Khan claiming three wickets and Onkar Tarmale, Shivam Dube and Shashank Attarde picking up two each. The one-run victory ensured Punjab finished on top of the Group C points table. Both Punjab and Mumbai have secured their places in the quarter-finals of the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
