Sarfaraz hits fastest fifty in Mushtaq Ali T20 an hour before IPL auction, CSK get him for a bargain

Less than an hour before the IPL auction in Dubai, Sarfaraz Khan smashed the fastest half-century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20. Sarfaraz smashed a 15-ball fifty for Mumbai against Rajasthan in a Super League match in Pune, breaking his own record off 18 balls set against Haryana two days ago.

Sarfaraz was one of the exciting talents that featured in the first set at the auction. Surprisingly, he had no takers. But when a select list of unsold players came up for bidding later in the afternoon, CSK stepped in and secured his services for the base price of ₹75 lakh. Imagine Sarfaraz teaming up with Sanju Samson next season in the IPL!

Against Rajasthan, the right-hander was ruthless, clubbing seven sixes and six boundaries at a strike rate close to 350. He fell for 73 off 22 balls after miscuing a slower delivery from Manav Suthar. Ajinkya Rahane remained unbeaten on 72 off 41 as Mumbai chased down a target of 217 runs with 11 balls and three wickets in hand. 

The 28-year-old Sarfaraz had repeatedly been overlooked for national selection despite solid domestic displays. Sarfaraz has played six Test matches since debuting in February 2024.

He has a top score of 150 in Tests, but hasn't been picked since November last year. He worked on his fitness in the pre-season, shedding 17 kgs, drawing appreciation from English batting great Kevin Pietersen.