Sarfaraz Khan, 15, slams ton against South Africa U-19

[rkt.india]

MUMBAI: Very rarely does a No. 6 batsman smash a hundred in a limited overs game to help his team chase 271 in less than 40 overs. Sarfaraz Khan's 66-ball 101, which contained 17 fours and a six, which helped India score a four-wicket win over South Africa in the U-19 quadrangular at Vizag, therefore qualifies as a special knock. India were in the doldrums at 93 for four when the 15-year-old Mumbai lad walked in. Sarfaraz, however, changed the course of the game, adding 159 for the fifth wicket with Ricky Bhui to help India run away to their second win on the trot. Earlier, he had turned out to be the most economical bowler for India, giving away just 36 runs in 10 overs. In the first game, where India thrashed Zimbabwe by 148 runs, Sarfaraz had hit 55 and taken two wickets with his leg spin. Naturally, the youngster won plenty of praise from India Colts' coach Bharat Arun. "He is a gusty player, who reads the situation well. He has shots all around the wicket and looks even better while playing straight. He uses his feet well and can play cheeky strokes too," Arun told TOI from Vizag on Wednesday. The former India pacer was also impressed with Sarfaraz's bowling skills. Explaining the reason behind playing Sarfaraz at No. 6, Arun said: "He knows when to rotate strike, when to accelerate. He is an ideal finisher and an exciting player," he added. Sarfaraz first came into the limelight when he slammed 439 in a Harris Shield game-then a World Record in inter-school cricket. Along with the talented Arman Jaffer, he was included in the Mumbai probables' list a few months back which showed refreshing enterprise by the selectors. "Practising with the Mumbai Ranji team has helped his game immensely and the selectors and coaches deserve praise," said Sarfaraz's father Naushad Khan. "I ensured he played plenty of matches and made him practise for hours on an artificial wicket in the indoor nets below our house," Naushad revealed. "In today's cricket, you require such players," quipped Mumbai chief selector Sudhir Naik, before adding: "He should be playing a higher grade of cricket soon." For former India batsman Pravin Amre, it is Sarfaraz's 'match temperament' that stands out. "He reads a match situation quickly and that is something you learn by playing in the maidans and not academies. (Ramakant) Achrekar Sir used to make us play many games in the maidans and Sarfaraz is going through a similar drill," says Amre. Former India seamer Balwinder Singh Sandhu too believes in Sarfaraz's promise, but cautions against pushing him too much. "We must remember that he's only 15. He is a happy-go-lucky teenager and we must let him be, rather than try to discipline him too much or drill cricket into his head all the time. We must ensure he keeps his focus, works hard and doesn't get distracted," says Sandhu.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/top-stories/Sarfaraz-Khan-15-slams-ton-against-South-Africa-U-19/articleshow/23066008.cms

[CoverDrive]

awesome lets see how he fares at the higher level. good thing is is he will get good exposure in U19 setup

[SLICKR392]

15 and batting at #6. :hatsoff:

[rkt.india]

He was already selected for Mumbai Ranji probable and that net experience has also helped him.

[Jersey #10]

Sarfaraz Khan - awesome name!

[Lord]

He once had the record of highest score on Harris Shield debut (439)

[Lord]

Meet the lady who taught Mumbai wonderkid Sarfaraz Khan cricket is all in the mind A little over a year ago, Mumbai wonderkid Sarfaraz Khan’s career was in a limbo. The teenager was expelled from the BCCI’s batting academy on grounds of indiscipline. Consequently, his confidence took a beating and it seemed his prodigious talent would go down the drain. However, things changed after a well-wisher advised the 15-year-old’s father, Naushad Khan, to take him to Mughda Bavre, a psychologist associated with the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). Bavre has counselled every Mumbai player right from the U-14 to the U-25 level for nearly a decade. And Sarfaraz’s interaction with the soft-spoken woman would change his very approach to life, not just cricket. A national swimmer in the 1990s, Bavre also won the prestigious Shiv Chhatrapati Award before completing her Masters in counselling psychology from Mumbai University. In other words, she very well knows the kind of pressure a sportsperson goes through. More on Bavre and her therapeutic sessions with Sarfaraz, but here’s proof of the effect it has had on the boy. On Wednesday, Sarfaraz smashed his way to a stroke-filled 101 (66 balls, 17x4, 1x6) as India Under-19 defeated South Africa Under-19 by four wickets and more 10 overs to spare in a quadrangular series match in Visakhapatnam. Sarfaraz shared a 159-run stand for the fifth wicket with Ricky Bhui (94 not out, 95 balls, 12x4, 3x6) as the hosts chased down 271 with ease. At 93/4, India Under-19 were in a spot of bother, but the boys played counter-attacking cricket for the better part of their stand which lasted 19.5 overs. “I am glad he is back at his best,” an elated Bavre told dna on Wednesday. “When I first spoke to him in 2012, he had self-confidence issues. But I guess I handled him well,” Bavre added. So what were the sessions about? “I told him the importance of being level-headed and humble. I cited examples of cricketers who fell by the wayside. But Sarfaraz was sure he didn’t want to go into oblivion. I just helped him get his priorities right,” Bavre said. After the first session, Sarfaraz wondered why he didn’t meet “Mughda aunty” earlier. “I can’t thank her enough,” father Naushad admitted. “She just changed my son’s attitude to life. No more aaltu-faltu (nonsense) business for him. He’s doubly focused on his game and fitness now.” Bavre has but one regret. “I want him to focus on his studies. The other boys used to taunt him. I have also told his father to ensure Sarfaraz attends school regularly. What does one do after retirement? You have to be educated.”

[Jersey #10]

He once had the record of highest score on Harris Shield debut (439)

Is this the same kid? If so then line him up for the national side! It's very simple. There is no reason to dilute his talent.

[Jersey #10]

http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/656913.html Under pressure, comes in at #6 and rescues the chase. 101 from 66 balls. 17 fours, 1 six = 74 runs

[Lord]

Is this the same kid? If so then line him up for the national side! It's very simple. There is no reason to dilute his talent.

yup hes the one the record was later broken by Armaan Jaffer.

[Sidhoni]

The teenager was expelled from the BCCI’s batting academy on grounds of indiscipline.

Woah

[Lord]

Woah

yeah read he played the pull shot despite being told not to do so:haha:

[Unleashed]

yeah read he played the pull shot despite being told not to do so:haha:

That's an absurd ruling.

[rkt.india]

That's an absurd ruling.

You are finally unleashed!

[Brainfade]

Sarfaraz is not in today's squad vs. Ozzie U-19. Hope he's not injured badly.

[Lord]

Sarfaraz is not in today's squad vs. Ozzie U-19. Hope he's not injured badly.

he is.made 9 not out coming low down http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/656915.html

[Brainfade]

he is.made 9 not out coming low down http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/656915.html

Duh!! I scanned through the scorecard quickly and didn't notice his name. Thanks!

[Trundler27]

age 15 and looks as fit as ranatunga already! :two_thumbs_up: Interestingly though a lot of good leggies have this plump physique lol Looking forward to his career progression as he seems to be special indeed

[Vijy]

Khan should be fast-tracked into some Ranji squad or the other. There are still spots available in the Test squad for middler order batsmen, esp if they can bowl as well. Once Tendu retires, that frees up one more slot. And though Pujara, Dhawan and Kohli have cemented their palces (for now), Vijay is a walking wicket. That leaves 3 slots free in the top 7 in the near future.