Watch: Sarfaraz Khan celebrates 15-ball half-century with unique celebration before IPL 2026 auction

Time is really important in grabbing an opportunity, and Sarfaraz Khan used it to the best by smashing a 15-ball half-century for Mumbai during the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2025/26 against Rajasthan. His fiery knock just an hour ahead of the IPL 2026 auction, which is set to begin in Abu Dhabi on December 16.

There is no doubt now of the right-handed batter getting a check from the bidding war. Sarfaraz Khan has been in superb touch during the entire T20 event in India’s domestic cricket. Earlier in the game at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, Mumbai was belted for 216/4 in 20 overs.

The opening batter of Rajasthan, Ramnivas Golada, crunched 48 runs in 29 balls at a strike rate of 165.42 with the help of three boundaries and three sixes, while their number three batter, Deepak Hooda, creamed 51 runs in 31 balls at a strike rate of 164.52, smashing four boundaries and three sixes.

Sarfaraz Khan smashed 15-ball 50 before IPL 2026 auction

Mahipal Lomror also clubbed a fine knock of 39 runs in 24 balls at a strike rate of 162.5 with the help of four boundaries, while Mukul Choudhury pocketed a cracking unbeaten knock of 54 runs in 28 balls at a strike rate of over 190, thanks to three sixes and four boundaries to post 216/4 in their allotted 20 overs by the Rajasthan side.

Watch the video here:

In reply, Mumbai lost Yashasvi Jaiswal cheaply for 15 runs in 16 balls before Ajinkya Rahane and Sarfaraz Khan celebrated a cracking stand of 111 runs in just 38 balls for the second wicket. The former creamed 58 runs in 30 balls at a strike rate of 193.33 while Sarfaraz was dismissed for 73 runs in 22 balls at a strike rate of 331 with six fours and seven sixes.

The likes of Chennai Super Kings or the Kolkata Knight Riders can keep an eye on the right-handed batter to fix their issues in the middle order. He has also been a fabulous player of spin, which enhances his skill for that role.