In the ongoing Duleep Trophy match at Bengaluru’s Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Khan brothers are making waves on the field for India B. While younger brother Mushir Khan stole the spotlight in the first innings with a stunning 181-run knock, elder brother Sarfaraz Khan brought his own firepower in the second innings, attacking the bowlers of India A.
The match has so far seen some excellent individual performances, with Mushir’s century leading India B to a solid total of 321 runs in the first innings. But the second innings, particularly Sarfaraz’s explosive batting, has been a highlight of the game.
Mushir Khan’s Century in First Innings
In the first innings, Mushir Khan played a memorable knock, scoring a brilliant 181 runs. His innings were instrumental in pushing India B to a strong position. Mushir’s performance caught everyone’s attention as he broke records and played an impressive role in giving his team the lead.
However, his form did not continue in the second innings. When India B came out to bat again, Mushir was dismissed early by India A’s fast bowler Akash Deep. He couldn’t score any runs and was out for a duck in just six balls, leaving India B struggling at 22/3. This was a huge disappointment after his stellar first innings.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Explosive Batting in Second Innings
As soon as Mushir was out, elder brother Sarfaraz Khan stepped in, determined to make up for his poor performance in the first innings. Sarfaraz, known for his consistency in domestic cricket, had only managed to score 9 runs earlier in the match. But this time, he came to the crease with a different mindset, ready to attack the bowlers.
Sarfaraz’s aggressive approach was evident from the beginning. Facing Akash Deep, the same bowler who had dismissed his brother, Sarfaraz showed no mercy. In one over, after playing a dot ball, he smashed five consecutive fours, stunning the India A bowlers and the spectators alike. His incredible display of batting skills completely changed the flow of the game.
Sarfaraz didn’t stop there. He continued to dominate the bowlers, hitting a six and a four against Khalil Ahmed as well. Though his innings were short-lived, he made a significant impact, scoring 46 runs off just 36 balls, with 7 fours and 1 six. His aggressive knock helped India B recover after losing early wickets.
Rishabh Pant Joins the Party
Sarfaraz wasn’t the only one in a destructive mood. Rishabh Pant, who had also struggled in the first innings, came out with similar intent. Pant, the experienced wicketkeeper-batsman, batted aggressively and played a crucial role in the second innings. He scored a quick-fire 61 runs from just 47 balls, hitting 9 fours and 2 sixes. His partnership with Sarfaraz brought India B back into a strong position.
Together, Pant and Sarfaraz’s aggressive batting helped India B cross 150 runs by the end of the third day. With a lead of 240 runs and 6 wickets down, India B was firmly in control of the match.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Redemption
For Sarfaraz, this innings was a form of redemption. After failing in the first innings, he came back strongly in the second innings, proving his worth once again. Sarfaraz has been one of the most consistent performers in domestic cricket for the last few years, and his attacking style of play has won him many fans.
With the Indian selectors looking to finalize the squad for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh, this performance could not have come at a better time. Sarfaraz has been knocking on the door of the Indian Test team for some time now, and this innings will certainly boost his chances of getting a spot in the squad.
India B’s Strong Position in the Match
By the close of play on Day 3, India B was in a commanding position. Their second innings had put them 240 runs ahead, with four wickets still in hand. The match has been a thrilling contest so far, with individual brilliance from both Mushir and Sarfaraz Khan, along with Rishabh Pant’s quick fifty.
India A’s bowlers, especially Akash Deep, had performed well early on, but the aggressive batting from Sarfaraz and Pant has shifted the momentum in India B’s favor. As the final day approaches, India B will look to extend their lead and set a challenging target for India A to chase.
