India’s newest batting sensation Sarfaraz Khan scripted a new record in the history of the ICC Under-19 World Cup when he slammed his seventh half-century in the final on Sunday. However, his fighting 51 was not enough as India lost to West Indies by five wickets in the summit clash at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur.
Sarfaraz waged a lone war and hit 51 off 89 balls, including five fours and a six, against some lethal pace bowling the Caribbean side. His knock helped India to post 145 in 45.1 overs. In reply, the West Indies rode on Keacy Carty’s unbeaten 52 to lift their maiden U-19 World Cup title.
Here are some interesting facts on Sarfaraz’s career:
# Sarfaraz Khan hit seven fifty in the tournament that helped him to surpass the West Indies’s Kraig Brathwaite, who had held the previous record of six-half centuries.
# Khan hit five fifties in six matches in the just concluded tournament while two of his half-centuries came in the 2014 event.
# The 18-year-old is now at No. 3 in the top run accumulators with 566 runs in 12 matches. England’s Eoin Morgan heads the list with 606 runs (13 games), Pakistan’s Babar Azam is second with 585 runs.
# In 2015, Sarfaraz Khan became the youngest player to feature in the Indian Premier League. Royal Challengers Bangalore bought the youngsters for Rs 50 lacs last year.
# Sarfaraz was selected for a stint with Hull Cricket Club for the Yorkshire League in 2012.
# He is coached by his father Naushad Khan, who was also a cricketer.