Sarfaraz Khan smashes fastest fifty in List A cricket by Indian

Sarfaraz Khan's incredible run in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy continued on Thursday (January 8) as he smashed the fastest fifty by an Indian in List A cricket. The right-handed batter took just 15 balls to reach the landmark against Punjab, shattering the previous record of 16 balls, jointly held by Abhijit Kale of Maharashtra and Atit Sheth of Baroda.

Kale had reached the milestone in 1995 while playing against Baroda, whereas Seth had equaled Kale with his 16-ball-fifty against Chhattisgarh in 2021.

Sarfaraz smoked seven fours and five sixes during the course of his 20-ball 62 at a strike rate of 310.00. His knock provided the impetus to Mumbai in the middle overs before a collapse saw them miss out by a run. Sarfaraz was trapped in front of his stumps by leg-spinner Mayank Markande on the fourth delivery of the 15th over.

Sarfaraz's wicket proved to be the turning point in the game as the rest of the Mumbai batters failed to keep Markande and Gurnoor Brar at bay.

Markande was the pick of all the Mumbai bowlers as he finished with figures of 4/31, whereas Brar returned figures of 4/57 in 10 overs.

Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 quarterfinals

Consequently, Mumbai finished Group C in the second spot with 20 points after winning five and losing two games. Punjab claimed the top spot in the group with six wins and a loss.

Meanwhile, Karnataka topped Group A with six wins and a loss, and Madhya Pradesh topped Group B with five wins and two defeats. Uttar Pradesh were unstoppable in Group B as they won all seven games, whereas Vidarbha claimed the second spot with five wins and two losses.

A win for Delhi against Haryana in the final group stage fixture helped them top Group D as they finished with six wins and a loss, whereas with five wins and two losses, Saurashtra grabbed the second spot to enter the quarterfinals.