Jaiswal Ton, Sarfaraz Fifty Power Mumbai’s 235-Run Chase

Mumbai staged a remarkable chase in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2025-26 Super League, defeating Haryana by six wickets in Pune. Chasing a formidable 235 runs, Mumbai relied on a spectacular Jaiswal ton and a rapid Sarfaraz fifty to secure the victory. The defending champions bounced back strongly from their previous loss to Hyderabad.

Mumbai Dominates Record Chase in Pune

Mumbai opted to bowl first against Haryana in their Super League encounter. Haryana’s batting lineup posted a challenging total of 235 runs, setting a demanding target for Mumbai. Ankit Kumar was the chief architect of Haryana’s innings, scoring a blistering 89 runs off just 42 balls. This knock stood as a joint-highest T20 score for the batter, pushing Haryana to a strong position. Samant Jakhar also contributed effectively, adding 31 runs from only 14 deliveries before retiring hurt during the innings. These performances highlighted Haryana’s aggressive approach and their ability to put runs on the board.

Mumbai’s bowlers faced a tough challenge on what appeared to be a small ground in Pune, conducive to high scoring. Sairaj Patil managed to pick up two crucial wickets for 44 runs for Mumbai. Shardul Thakur bowled a tight spell, attempting to contain Haryana’s free-flowing scoring. Despite their efforts, Haryana amassed a significant total, leaving Mumbai with a formidable chase ahead, as detailed by ESPNcricinfo.

Jaiswal and Sarfaraz Lead the Charge

Mumbai’s response to the challenging target was both aggressive and calculated. Yashasvi Jaiswal spearheaded the chase with an exceptional century. He reached 100 runs from just 48 balls, an innings punctuated by 16 fours and one six. This marks Jaiswal’s fourth T20 century, underscoring his consistent power-hitting ability in the format. His early onslaught ensured Mumbai kept pace with the required run rate from the outset.

Jaiswal found an explosive partner in Sarfaraz Khan, who provided critical acceleration in the middle overs. Sarfaraz hammered 64 runs off just 25 deliveries, an innings that included nine fours and three sixes. Together, Jaiswal and Sarfaraz forged a devastating 88-run second-wicket partnership. This crucial stand developed rapidly, taking only 37 balls to reach its conclusion and significantly shifting the momentum in Mumbai’s favor. The rapid scoring rate put Haryana’s bowlers under immense pressure, making it difficult for them to stem the flow of boundaries.

Finishing Strong and Key Contributions

The partnership between Jaiswal and Sarfaraz was a masterclass in T20 batting, combining controlled aggression with decisive stroke play. Jaiswal’s ability to find gaps and clear the ropes regularly kept the scoreboard ticking. Sarfaraz’s quickfire innings ensured there was no dip in the scoring rate, even with such a large target in sight. Ajinkya Rahane also contributed to the chase, scoring a brisk 21 runs off 10 balls, adding valuable runs at a high strike rate.

Even as Jaiswal holed out with just seven runs remaining for victory, Mumbai maintained their composure. Atharva Ankolekar stepped up to complete the chase. He finished unbeaten, hitting a six and a four to seal the win. Mumbai reached 236 for four, securing the victory with six wickets still in hand. The successful chase demonstrated Mumbai’s deep batting lineup and their ability to handle pressure in high-stakes matches, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. Spectators can relive the excitement of Jaiswal’s powerful hitting through match highlights available on YouTube.

Momentum Shift and IPL Implications

This victory is a significant morale booster for Mumbai, who are the defending champions in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. They had experienced a setback with a loss to Hyderabad just a day earlier, making this commanding chase a crucial rebound. The team’s ability to overcome a substantial target underscores their strength and determination in the Super League. Mumbai now carries renewed momentum forward in the tournament, reaffirming their status as a contender.

The individual performances in such high-scoring domestic T20 matches hold considerable importance for players, especially with upcoming auctions. Sarfaraz Khan’s explosive 64-run innings, alongside his earlier 47-ball fifty, significantly boosts his prospects for the IPL 2026 auction. As a capped batter, strong and consistent performances in tournaments like the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy directly enhance his market value.

Franchises closely monitor such displays of power-hitting and composure under pressure, as highlighted by ESPNcricinfo coverage of key domestic T20 recovery for Mumbai stars. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him an attractive asset for any team looking to strengthen their batting lineup.

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