DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka – Indian cricket sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi continues to rewrite the record books.
The 15-year-old prodigy created history on Sunday when he smashed the fastest-ever half-century in List A cricket, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls during the final of the 50-over tri-series between India ‘A’ and Sri Lanka A at Dambulla.
Sooryavanshi’s blistering innings of 94 runs from just 29 deliveries, which included eight towering sixes, powered India ‘A’ to a commanding 66-run victory over the hosts and earned him the Player of the Match award.
The teenage opener came agonisingly close to another record, falling just six runs short of equalling the fastest-ever century in List A cricket.
In the process, Sooryavanshi eclipsed a long-standing record held by Sri Lanka’s Kaushalya Weeraratne, who had blasted a 50 off 12 balls more than two decades ago.
Despite the historic achievement, the young star remained humble.
“I hadn’t thought of anything. I just wanted to execute what I planned in the first ten overs and take it forward from there,” Sooryavanshi said after the match.
Reflecting on his performances throughout the tournament, he added:
“There was no pressure. I wasn’t executing what I wanted at first, but after consulting with the coaches, I got it right. I learnt a lot during this series.”
Sooryavanshi’s extraordinary exploits have generated excitement across the cricketing world, with many eagerly awaiting his debut for the senior Indian team.
Should he be selected for India’s opening T20 International against Ireland in Belfast on Friday, the teenager would become the youngest player ever to represent India in international cricket, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who made his debut at the age of 16 years and 205 days against Pakistan in Karachi on November 15, 1989.
With his fearless batting, remarkable composure, and an appetite for breaking records, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi appears destined for a bright future as one of cricket’s next global stars.