Sarfaraz Khan and Siddhesh Lad Dominate as Mumbai Post Commanding Total
In a spectacular display of batting prowess, middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan dazzled with his first century of the season, remaining unbeaten on 142 runs off 164 balls. His innings was studded with 11 boundaries and 5 sixes, showcasing aggressive yet controlled strokeplay. Meanwhile, Mumbai captain Siddhesh Lad continued his rich vein of form, striking his fourth ton of the season with a solid 104 runs from 179 deliveries, including 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Hyderabad's Costly Fielding Errors
The duo's partnership was significantly aided by shabby fielding from the hosts. Lad was dropped on 16 at first slip by Nitish Reddy off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj, while Sarfaraz was let off on 54 when Sai Nitin Yadav misjudged a catch at the mid-wicket boundary off Rohit Rayudu. These lapses allowed Mumbai to build a formidable total of 332/4 on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy sixth round match in Hyderabad on Thursday.
Other Key Performances Across Ranji Trophy Matches
Jalaj Saxena's Milestone in Pune: Veteran all-rounder Jalaj Saxena achieved a rare double of 500 wickets and 7,000 runs in first-class cricket. His impressive figures of 6-79 helped Maharashtra skittle out Goa for 209 on Day 1 of their Elite Group 'B' match in Gahunje, near Pune.
Shubman Gill's Disappointing Return in Rajkot: Shubman Gill's return to Ranji Trophy ended in a two-ball duck as Saurashtra and Punjab batters struggled on a rank turner. Saurashtra were bowled out for 172 and were 24/3 in their second innings, while Punjab managed only 139. Gill was trapped lbw by left-arm spinner Parth Bhut.
Delhi's Struggles in Bengaluru: Despite Ayush Doseja's century (104), Delhi were dismissed for 216 by Chhattisgarh in Group D. In reply, Chhattisgarh were comfortably placed at 52/0 at stumps.
Scores of Select Matches
- Lucknow: Jharkhand 279/1 (S Singh 128*, S Mohan 78, A Sen 64*) vs Uttar Pradesh.
- Rajkot: Saurashtra 172 (J Gohil 82; H Brar 6-38) and 24/3 vs Punjab 139 (P Bhut 5-33).
- Alur: Madhya Pradesh 244/5 (V Iyer 87) vs Karnataka.
- Pune: Goa 209 (S Kauthankar 73; J Saxena 6-79); Maharashtra 19/0.
- Kalyani: Bengal 340/4 (S Chatterjee 140*, A Easwaran 81) vs Services.
- Hyderabad: Mumbai 332/4 (S Lad 104, Sarfaraz Khan 142*; Rohit Rayudu 2-66) vs Hyderabad.
- Bengaluru: Delhi 216 (A Doseja 104; D Singh 3-43, S Khan 3-50) vs Chhattisgarh 52/0.
The Ranji Trophy continues to deliver thrilling cricketing action, with standout individual performances and team battles shaping the tournament's narrative.
