Sarfaraz Khan's Explosive 157 Leads Mumbai to Victory Over Goa in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Sarfaraz Khan Shines with a Stunning Knock
On Wednesday, Sarfaraz Khan delivered a remarkable performance, scoring 157 runs off 75 balls, including 14 sixes, as Mumbai triumphed over Goa by 87 runs in their Vijay Hazare Trophy Group C match. This victory brought Mumbai closer to the knockout stages as they wrapped up 2025 on a high note.
Having been in excellent form during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sarfaraz completed his century in just 56 balls, marking his third century in List A cricket. With his efforts, Mumbai amassed a formidable total of 444 runs for eight wickets, while restricting Goa to 357 runs for nine wickets.
This win marks Mumbai's fourth consecutive victory in the group stage. A single win from their remaining three matches will secure their place in the quarter-finals.
Yashasvi Jaiswal, returning from a bout of gastritis that sidelined him during the initial week of the national ODI championship, contributed 46 runs, but Sarfaraz was the star of the day, hammering the Goa bowlers with nine fours and 14 sixes.
Out of Sarfaraz's 14 sixes, 10 were hit off off-spinner Lalit Yadav (who conceded 93 runs for two wickets) and left-arm spinner Darshan Misal (who gave away 98 runs for three wickets). Sarfaraz struck four sixes off Lalit and six off Misal.
Even Arjun Tendulkar, son of the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, was unable to escape Sarfaraz's onslaught, conceding 78 runs in his eight overs. Sarfaraz was dismissed in the 42nd over, narrowly missing out on his first double century in List A cricket. Nevertheless, Mumbai maintained their scoring pace, adding over 100 runs in the final eight overs.
Mushir Khan (60 runs), wicketkeeper Hardik Tamore (53 runs), Shams Mulani (22 runs), Tanush Kotian (not out 23 runs), and captain Shardul Thakur (27 runs) also contributed to the aggressive batting display, leading the team to a total of 35 fours and 25 sixes.
In pursuit of the target, Goa never seemed to be in contention. Although Lalit Yadav (64), Abhinav Tejrana (100), and Deepraj Gaikwad (70) played well in the middle overs, their efforts fell short against the massive target.
Captain Shardul Thakur showcased his effectiveness on the flat pitch, taking three wickets for just 20 runs in six overs. Meanwhile, Yashasvi Jaiswal, bowling leg-breaks, claimed two wickets for 52 runs in three overs.