VHT 2025-26: Sarfaraz Khan sends strong message to selectors ahead of New Zealand ODIs with explosive 75-ball 157

Published - 31 Dec 2025, 14:46 IST | Updated - 31 Dec 2025, 14:46 IST

Sarfaraz Khan slammed a whopping 157 off just 75 deliveries for Mumbai against Goa in a 2025-26 Vijay Hazare Trophy encounter at the Jaipuria Vidyalaya Ground in Jaipur. His knock comprised nine fours and 14 sixes as Mumbai racked up a massive 444/8 in 50 overs.

With India's ODI squad for upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand set to be announced on January 3 or January 4, Sarfaraz's knock comes could force the BCCI selectors to take notice and give him a go in the impending three-match series, which is scheduled to commence on January 11.

Speaking of the Mumbai innings, Sarfaraz top-scored for the Shardul Thakur-led outfit. Musheer Khan, Sarfaraz's younger brother, was the second-highest scorer with a 66-ball 60. Wicketkeeper-batter Hardik Tamore (53 off 28) was another player to have scored a 50-plus score. Tamore's finishing touches to the innings along with crucial cameos from Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian meant Mumbai finished on a near-450 total.

Vasuki Koushik was the pick of the bowlers from the opposition unit. His figures read 2/60 in 10 overs including a couple of maidens. Arjun Tendulkar ended up wicketless in eight overs, giving away 78 runs in eight overs. Darshan Misal and Lalit Yadav, both of whom bowled nine overs apiece, conceded runs at a 10-plus economy rate.

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Sarfaraz already has a half-century to his name, as he scored 55 off 49 in Mumbai's clash against Uttarakhand which Mumbai won by 51 runs. Sarfaraz was one of the top performers of Mumbai in the recently-concluded 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well. He struck at 203.08 across seven matches in the tournament, with a highest score of an unbeaten 100.

Considering the case that the ODI squad for the series against New Zealand is announced on January 4, Sarfaraz will have another opportunity of stamping his authority in front of the selectors. Mumbai will take on Maharashtra in Jaipur on Saturday, January 3.