Mumbai took clear control on Day 1 thanks to a brilliant unbeaten century by Sarfaraz Khan. Batting with calm and confidence, Sarfaraz scored 103 not out, helping Mumbai reach 265 for 3 by stumps. His innings came at the right time after Mumbai lost quick wickets and looked slightly unsettled.
Sarfaraz once again showed why he is considered one of the most reliable domestic batters in India.
Early Wickets but Mumbai Recover Well
Mumbai started the day well with a solid opening stand of 60 runs. However, momentum shifted when three wickets fell quickly for just 22 runs. Newly appointed captain Mohammad Siraj made an impact by picking up one wicket during this phase.
Despite the setback, Mumbai did not panic and rebuilt the innings patiently.
Sarfaraz Khan and Siddhesh Lad Steady the Innings
Sarfaraz Khan found strong support from Siddhesh Lad, who played a composed knock of 76 runs. The duo stitched an unbeaten 183-run partnership for the fourth wicket, batting nearly 40 overs together.
Sarfaraz played positive cricket, hitting nine fours and four sixes, scoring at a healthy strike rate of over 83. Their partnership turned the match firmly in Mumbai’s favour.
Venkatesh Iyer Shines for Madhya Pradesh
In another match, Madhya Pradesh ended the day at 244 for 5, thanks to a fine knock of 87 runs by Venkatesh Iyer. His innings included 12 boundaries and held the innings together after the openers were dismissed.
Late wickets on Day 1 slightly reduced MP’s advantage, but they remain competitive.
Tamil Nadu Put Up Mixed Batting Effort
Tamil Nadu finished the day at 281 for 7 with multiple half-centuries. Pradosh Ranjan Paul (78), Andre Siddarth (56), Athish SR (50), and Nidish Rajagopal (54 not out) all contributed.
However, the team will be disappointed that no batter converted their start into a big hundred, which could have pushed the total further.
Yash Rathod Rescues Vidarbha
Defending champions Vidarbha were in trouble early at 45 for 4, but Yash Rathod played a brilliant unbeaten knock of 104. He built key partnerships and guided the team to 267 for 7.
Andhra spinner K S Narasimha Raju impressed with 4 wickets for 51 runs.
Jharkhand and Bengal Dominate Their Matches
Jharkhand enjoyed an excellent day, finishing at 279 for 1. Sharandeep Singh smashed an unbeaten 128, supported by half-centuries from Shikhar Mohan and Aryaman Sen.
Bengal also dominated, reaching 340 for 4. Sudip Chatterjee remained unbeaten on 140, while Abhimanyu Easwaran added a solid 81 at the top.
Delhi Fight Back from Collapse
Delhi were in deep trouble at 119 for 9, but Ayush Doheja played a heroic innings of 104 not out. With help from No.11 Money Grewal, Delhi added 97 runs for the last wicket to reach 216.
Chhattisgarh replied confidently, ending the day at 52 without loss.
Bowlers Rule in Low-Scoring Encounters
Several matches saw bowlers dominate. In Rajkot, spinners Harpreet Brar and Parth Bhut caused havoc as 23 wickets fell on Day 1. Chandigarh also impressed by bowling out Kerala cheaply and then taking the lead with strong batting.
Maharashtra spinner Jalaj Saxena starred with a six-wicket haul against Goa.
Conclusion
Day 1 of the domestic cricket action delivered strong performances across teams, but Sarfaraz Khan’s unbeaten century stood out. His calm and attacking knock helped Mumbai recover from early trouble and take firm control of the match. With many games finely balanced, Day 2 promises even more excitement.
FAQs
Who scored the century for Mumbai?
Sarfaraz Khan scored an unbeaten 103 runs for Mumbai.
What was Mumbai’s score at the end of Day 1?
Mumbai finished Day 1 at 265 for 3.
Who supported Sarfaraz Khan in the partnership?
Siddhesh Lad supported him with a knock of 76 runs.
Which other player impressed on Day 1?
Venkatesh Iyer scored 87 for Madhya Pradesh, while Sudip Chatterjee scored 140 for Bengal.
Why was Sarfaraz Khan’s innings important?
His century came after Mumbai lost quick wickets and helped the team regain control of the match.