Sarfaraz Khan, Chennai Super Kings’ latest acquisition, continues to force his name into conversations that selection meetings have ignored. On Thursday, during a Vijay Hazare Trophy group-stage clash, the Mumbai middle-order batter delivered one of the most explosive List A innings seen in recent years, setting two remarkable records in the process.
Despite consistent domestic performances, Sarfaraz has often found himself outside national reckoning. That narrative did little to slow him down as he walked in to bat after Mumbai lost their second wicket, with Angkrish Raghuvanshi back in the pavilion. Chasing a modest target of 217, Mumbai appeared firmly in control. Sarfaraz ensured that control turned into dominance, at least briefly. What followed was a breathtaking assault that combined audacity, timing, and raw power.
Fastest Fifty by an Indian in Vijay Hazare Trophy
Sarfaraz wasted no time settling in. From his very first few deliveries, he looked intent on ending the contest early. The right-hander raced to his half-century in just 15 balls, setting a new record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in Vijay Hazare Trophy history.
In doing so, he went past Baroda’s Atit Sheth, who previously held the record with a 16-ball fifty. Sarfaraz reached the milestone with minimal footwork and maximum bat speed, trusting his strength and reading of length. The landmark underlined his ability to dominate bowling attacks even in the 50-over format.
Fifty of his eventual runs came inside those first 15 deliveries, leaving bowlers with no margin for error.
Fastest fiftis in Vijay Hazare Trophy
| Rank | Player | Balls | Team | Opponent | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sarfaraz Khan | 15 | Mumbai | Punjab | 2025–26 |
| 2 | Atit Sheth | 16 | Baroda | Chhattisgarh | 2020–21 |
| 3 | Abhijit Kale | 16 | Maharashtra | Baroda | 1994–95 |
| 4 | Shakti Singh | 18 | Himachal Pradesh | Haryana | 1990–91 |
| 5 | Abhishek Sharma | 18 | Punjab | Madhya Pradesh | 2020–21 |
30 Runs in an Over: Sarfaraz Turns the Game Violent
The defining moment of Sarfaraz’s innings arrived in a single over. Facing Abhishek Sharma, an Indian opener known for his own six-hitting prowess, Sarfaraz unleashed a brutal counterattack.
He smashed five sixes in the over, collecting 30 runs and effectively dismantling Punjab’s bowling rhythm. Nearly half of his total runs came from that one over alone. The exchange felt symbolic, a power-hitter being overpowered by someone even more ruthless on the day. It was also during this over that Sarfaraz brought up his historic fifty, sealing two milestones in a matter of minutes.
Mumbai’s Collapse and a One-Run Defeat
Sarfaraz’s innings eventually ended on 62 off just 20 balls, when he was dismissed by Mayank Markande. His dismissal proved decisive. With momentum suddenly halted, Mumbai struggled to regroup.
Punjab’s bowlers, led by Markande and Gurnoor Brar, struck at regular intervals, picking up two wickets each. Mumbai’s innings stalled, and despite their strong start, they were restricted to 215, falling just short of the target. In the end, Mumbai lost the match by the narrowest of margins — 1 run.
Sarfaraz Khan’s effort may have ended in defeat, but the innings will be remembered for far longer than the result. Two records in one night — the fastest fifty by an Indian and 30 runs in a single over — served as another reminder of his explosive talent.
Hopefully the selectors will someday put aside their bias and let the boy don international colors yet again.
