[WATCH] ENG Lions vs IND A 2025: Sarfaraz Khan's one-handed screamer sends back centurion Tom Haines

Sarfaraz Khan displayed his fielding brilliance on Day 3 of the ongoing first unofficial Test between India A and England Lions at Canterbury, taking a stunning one-handed catch in the slip cordon to dismiss centurion Tom Haines.

India A posted a massive 557 in their first innings thanks to a double ton from Karun Nair, along with Sarfaraz’s 92 and Dhruv Jurel’s 94. In reply, the England Lions gave a stunning reply as Haines hammered 171, while Max Holden contributed 101, and Dan Mousley added 113.

Meanwhile, the incident took place in the 100th over of England’s innings, after Shardul Thakur delivered a fuller ball to Haines, who attempted a drive. The thick outside edge went straight towards the lone slip fielder, Sarfaraz. At one moment, it looked that the ball would pass the fielder safely, but Sarfaraz dived full stretch to his left and plucked the ball with just one hand.

Chandra Moulee Das@Dasthewayyy

09:40 PM · Jun 01, 2025

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The southpaw was well-set on 171 and looked like he could push India A out of the game. However, Sarfaraz’s solid effort not only ended a 93-run sixth-wicket partnership between Haines and Mousley but also provided an important breakthrough for the visitors. On Day 4, England Lions' scorecard read 569/9 after 140 overs and are trailing 12 runs behind India A's score.

Notably, the 27-year-old, often been targeted due to his fitness, has worked rigorously on himself. Ahead of this England tour, he reportedly lost 10 kilograms through a disciplined diet and fitness regime. Despite being overlooked for India’s senior Test squad, the Mumbai batter is making a strong case through his performance for India A. 

"We have controlled our diet a lot. We have stopped eating roti, rice, etc. We haven't eaten roti or rice at home for 1 to 1.5 months. We eat broccoli, carrots, cucumber, salad, and green vegetable salad. Along with that, we eat grilled fish, grilled chicken, boiled chicken, boiled egg, etc. We are also having green tea and green coffee," Sarfaraz's father Naushad said as quoted by Hindustan Times.