Ranji Trophy: Sarfaraz Khan does another star turn

Sarfaraz Khan of Mumbai celebrates after scoring a century against Hyderabad in the Ranji Trophy at MCA’s BKC ground on Wednesday. Pic/Atul Kamble

Sarfaraz Khan cracked yet another century. Sarfaraz who was on 40 overnight for Mumbai in their Ranji Trophy game against Hyderabad, began Wednesday on a cautious note, playing two defensive shots off pacer Kartikeya Kak (3-106). However, in the day's second over, he reached his 50 with a four, two and four. Just like his senior partner Rahane, Sarfaraz's intention was to attack as he got his next 50 runs in just 55 balls, reaching his 11th first-class hundred from 33 games.

Later in the day, captain Rahane introduced spinner Shams Mulani into the attack after just five overs. And he didn't disappoint, getting the visitors' first wicket off only his 10th ball, when he trapped opener Akshath Reddy (12) LBW. Mulani got his ninth fifer in just his 21st first-class match.

It looked like the visitors were going through the motions.

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Even while bowling on the second day, their body language indicated that they were just waiting for the hosts to declare their innings. And when it came to facing the Mumbai attack - especially Mulani, there was no resistance shown from Hyderabad's top-order batsmen.