NEW DELHI: Sarfaraz Khan left everyone stunned with a breathtaking assault in the Vijay Hazare Trophy on Thursday. Playing for Mumbai, Sarfaraz produced one of the most explosive knocks in List A history, even though his team ended up on the losing side in a dramatic finish.

The match may have slipped away from Mumbai, but Sarfaraz’s innings quickly became the biggest talking point across social media and the cricketing fraternity. His fearless hitting turned the contest on its head and briefly made the impossible look achievable.

Fastest half-century by an Indian in List A cricket

Chasing a target of 217 runs, Sarfaraz Khan went into complete overdrive. He smashed 62 runs off just 20 balls, hammering 7 fours and 5 sixes at a staggering strike rate of 310. His fifty came in just 15 deliveries, the fastest by an Indian batter in List A cricket.

One over in particular stood out, as Sarfaraz took Abhishek Sharma apart, collecting 30 runs and sending the ball to all parts of the ground. It was clean, brutal hitting with no hesitation whatsoever.

Punjab clinch a thriller contest

Earlier, in the Group C clash between Mumbai and Punjab at Jaipur, Punjab struggled for fluency with the bat. They were eventually bowled out for 216 in 45.1 overs, a total that looked slightly under-par on a good surface.

Ramandeep Singh led the way with a fighting 72, while Anmolpreet Singh played a crucial supporting role with 57. The rest of the batting line-up failed to build momentum, leaving Punjab short of a commanding score.

Mumbai’s chase began cautiously, but they soon appeared in complete control at 169 for 4 in just 17.3 overs. With Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer in full flow, the match looked all but sealed.

What followed was a stunning collapse. Wickets fell in quick succession, panic crept in, and Mumbai were eventually bowled out for 215 in 26.2 overs, losing the game by a single run in a thrilling finish.