Irani Cup 2018: Records Galore for Veteran Wasim Jaffar

In the ongoing Irani Cup, seasoned campaigner Wasim Jaffar collected some milestones as he smashed unbeaten 285 against Rest of India. Jaffar, 40, on day one of the contest completed his 53rd first-class century and finished unbeaten on 113 at the close of play. On day two, the right-hander bettered it and went past the 200-run mark. In doing so, he became only the fifth Indian batsman to notch a score of 200+ at the age of 40. Not only this, Jaffar also completed 18,000 runs in domestic cricket. Meanwhile, the start of day three was delayed due to rain.

Enroute to 285, Jaffar went past the likes of Dilip Vengsarkar (17868) and GR Viswanath (17970). For the unaware, Sunil Gavaskar (25834) holds the record of most first-class runs in Indian domestic circuit.

Apart from it, Jaffar also registered the highest individual score in Irani Cup history as he surpassed Murali Vijay’s 266. His knock comprised of 34 fours and a six.

Jaffar, who is the highest individual run-getter in the Ranji Trophy, switched to Vidarbha from Mumbai. Vidarbha, earlier this season, lifted the Ranji Trophy title for the first time after defeating Delhi by nine wickets in the final. Jaffar scored 78 in the first innings of the final and followed it with unbeaten 17 in the second innings.

The 40-year-old batsman turned for Vidarbha in nine matches during the 2017-18 Ranji Trophy and scored 595, which included unbeaten 158. Apart from the century, he scored three half-centuries as well. Interestingly, Jaffar after Vidarbha’s title triumph revealed that he played for the side for free.

Jaffar has thus far played 242 first-class matches and averages close to 50. He has 53 centuries and 86 half-centuries to go with it.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 16, 2018 12:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).