Alrounder Khan Breaks SACA All-Time Highest Score

History was made this week as Hishaam Khan delivered a masterclass of concentration, skill, and determination, breaking the South Asian Cricket Academy's all-time highest individual score with a magnificent 173 against Sussex 2nd XI.

The record was set earlier this year but less than two months later it has been broken. Before the 2025 season Amrit Basra's 155 vs Sussex was SACA's all-time highest score, however, scores by Savin Perera (159 vs Somerset) and Vansh Jani (156 vs Warwickshire) and the previous record, held by Arav Shetty (169 vs Warwickshire) surpassed it making 2025 already a summer to remember for the SACA batters. But Khan’s performance not only raised the bar - it did so under pressure, against a persistent Sussex attack, and within the context of a challenging match situation.

SACA won the toss and elected to bat first on what looked to be a good surface but with challenging overhead conditions. The openers got the side off to a steady start, moving to 40 without loss. However, a sudden flurry of wickets disrupted that momentum, including the key wicket of Sinel Gunarathne on the final ball before lunch (42). At the break, SACA found themselves in a tricky position at 76 for 3, with plenty of work still to do.

When play resumed, Hishaam Khan was joined at the crease by Feroze Khushi, and the pair immediately settled into their work with purpose. What followed was a session of complete control. Batting through the entire afternoon without losing a wicket, Khan and Khushi built a massive 189-run partnership, blunting a probing Sussex attack with textbook patience and occasional flair. Khushi brought up a fluent hundred shortly after the tea break, eventually falling for a well-made 111 - but not before the pair had taken SACA to a dominant position at 265 for 4.

Following Khushi’s dismissal, a few more quick wickets threatened to undo the hard work, but Khan remained composed. He brought up his own century just before the close of play, and alongside wicketkeeper-batter Rishi Herath, guided SACA to 330 for 6 at stumps — still with plenty to do, but back in control.

The second morning saw more of the same. Herath and Khan were simply brilliant during the first hour, going chanceless against a now-tiring Sussex bowling unit. Khan eased to 150, while Herath reached his maiden SACA fifty. As the prospect of a lunchtime declaration drew closer, the pair lifted the scoring rate. Herath was eventually dismissed for a valuable 76, and a few tidy overs from Sussex created doubts as to whether Khan would have the time to break the all-time record.

Then came a crucial twist. With one over to go before lunch and SACA nine wickets down, a top edge from Latif off Lenham resulted Khan only having one partner left. But because SACA were now nine down, the extra half-hour before lunch was taken - and that gave Khan just the window he needed.

In the very next over, he passed Shetty’s 169 and raised his bat to the SACA balcony as the new record holder. There was even an outside chance of a double hundred, but just a few deliveries later he was caught at cover, bringing an end to a historic innings. SACA were bowled out for 472 — with Khan contributing 173 of those in a knock that will be remembered as one of the finest in our academy's short history.

With the bat having delivered a commanding performance, SACA needed quick wickets to push for a result. Sussex started aggressively, reaching 70 without loss. But momentum shifted either side of tea as SACA’s bowlers picked up three key wickets to leave the hosts at 114 for 3. With Sussex still trailing significantly, SACA had an outside chance of enforcing the follow-on.

However, any hopes of forcing a result were dashed by an exceptional hundred from Sussex’s 16-year-old batter, Lawrence, who batted with maturity well beyond his years to ensure the game moved toward a draw. The sides shook hands on the final afternoon, with the match ending honours even — but Hishaam Khan’s innings ensured SACA left with pride and history on their side.

“Hishaam’s innings was a testament to his hard work. When he joined SACA in 2022 he was a bowler who could bat - and now I believe he's one of the very few genuine alrounders who can win a game with bat and ball on the trialist circuit”

This is the latest in a long list of landmark performances from SACA players, and a reminder of the depth of talent being nurtured within the academy. Hishaam’s name now stands at the top of our individual honours board, and his performance will no doubt inspire the next wave of batters coming through our pathway.

Congratulations to Hishaam on a magnificent achievement — and thank you for showing exactly what’s possible when opportunity meets preparation.