WATCH: Sarfaraz Khan’s emotional celebration after reaching a century in Ranji Trophy Final

On June 23 (Thursday), Mumbai middle-order batter Sarfaraz Khan continued his fine form with another century. It helped his side post 374 on the board against Madhya Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy 2021/22 Final.

The 24-year-old has amassed 937 runs in eight innings at an average of 133.85, with four tons and two fifties, and is the tournament's leading run-getter. The knock of 134 off 243 balls came at a critical stage when half of his teammates had already made their way back to the pavilion. Nevertheless, the youngster maintained his dominance at the crease with the support of tailenders. 

After reaching his fourth ton in the ongoing tournament, Sarfaraz was all pumped up and emotional. The talented batter was teary-eyed as he took the helmet off. He celebrated the landmark by replicating the signature step of the late singer Sidhu Moosewala by smacking his thigh and pointing his finger towards the sky.

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Sarfaraz dedicated this century to his father and coach, Naushad Khan. The Mumbai-batter revealed that it is due to his father that he has been able to score around 2000 runs in the last two seasons. 

"This hundred is because of my abbu (father), his sacrifices and holding my hand when I could have been down and out," Sarfaraz Khan said. 

"In our lives, it's about all those little dreams that we harbour. The dreams that we (he and his dad) have dreamt together. The nearly 2000 runs that I have scored in two seasons since my Mumbai comeback is because of my abbu," he said.

"There has been so much of struggle and when I think how my dad dealt with all of it, I get emotional. He didn't leave my hand even once. My brother put up a status on his cell phone and I could see Abbu so happy. It made my day".

Sarfaraz revealed that he and the wicket-keeper Hardik Tamore often listened to the songs of Moosewala, which is why he decided to offer the tribute in his memory. 

"This was for Sidhu Moosewala. I love his songs and mostly me and Hardik Tamore (keeper) listen to his songs."

With his century in the final, the Mumbai-born has surpassed his run-tally from last season, where he amassed 928 runs in six innings and emerged as the team's leading run-scorer. 

At the end of Day 2, Madhya Pradesh are at 123/1 and still trails by 251 runs. Day 3 could prove to be match-defining for both teams. 

So far, Mumbai have won 41 Ranji titles, and Madhya Pradesh are still searching for their maiden trophy.