Sarfaraz puts Rizvi in command

Rizvi Springfield’s Sarfaraz Khan continued his brilliant form in the Harris Shield as he slammed a scintillating 117 to put his team in a commanding position against IES VN Sule Guruji on Day 2 of the four-day U-16 final being played at the Bombay Gymkhana.

Rizvi, chasing an overnight first innings total of 191 set by IES, easily overhauled it with the help of Sarfaraz’s ton. At the end of the day, the defending champions were sitting pretty at 281 for 2 in 89 overs with Arman Jaffer (81 batting) and Karan Vasodia (48 batting) at the crease.

Sarfaraz, who hit a record-breaking 439 in the first round of the tournament, struck a 173-ball 117 studded with 14 boundaries. He was at his aggressive best, hitting the bowlers all around the stadium with ease. However, once he looked set for another big score, he edged straight into the hands of the slip fielder while stepping out to a spinner.
On the other hand, Arman was cautious and patient in his effort. His innings of 81 came in 221 balls with 10 fours.

Earlier on Day 1, Rizvi had bundled out IES for 191 with Akash Luthra and Vikas Singh scalping five and four wickets, respectively.

“The bowlers did a good job bowling well on the flat track and batsmen consolidated well on their effort. I think we have a chance to win the title second time in a row,” coach Raju Pathak said.

Brief score: IES VN Sule Guruji 191 in 94.4 overs (V Gawande 44; A Luthra 5/51, V Singh 4/77) vs Rizvi Springfield 281/2 in 89 overs (P Shaw 33, S Khan 117, A Jaffer 81 batting, K Vasodia 48 batting).