In a remarkable display of aggressive batting, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has set a new world record for the fastest half-century in List A cricket, achieving the milestone in just 11 balls. This record-breaking performance occurred during the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. The match was played under intense pressure following a previous physical altercation between the two teams.
Sooryavanshi, who had faced criticism after India A’s previous Super Over loss, signaled his intent before the final with a social media post stating “100.” Although he narrowly missed a century, finishing with 94 runs from 29 balls, his innings was a dominant response.
Record-Breaking Innings Against Sri Lanka A
Playing in what was described as “revenge mode,” Sooryavanshi’s innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play, including eight sixes and 10 fours. His fifty came in an astonishing 11 deliveries, surpassing the previous record of a 12-ball fifty held by Sri Lanka’s Kaushalya Weeraratne. Opening the batting, this was his first fifty for India A, comprising five fours and five sixes.
The young batter was eventually dismissed by Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige in the ninth over. He scored 94 runs off 29 balls, falling just six runs short of a century.
A Rising Star’s Milestones
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s ascent continues to be noteworthy. Earlier this month, he received his first call-up to India’s T20I squad for upcoming tours and the Asian Games 2026. At 15 years and 71 days old, the left-handed opener became the youngest player ever selected for India’s men’s team, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s 36-year-old record.
Tendulkar debuted for India in 1989 at 16 years and 205 days, making him the youngest Indian to play in a senior international match. If Sooryavanshi plays in the upcoming series, he will also become the youngest Indian to debut in men’s international cricket. The current record for the youngest Indian to play a T20I is held by Washington Sundar (18 years, 80 days in 2017), and Tendulkar also holds the record for the youngest Indian in ODI cricket (16 years, 238 days in 1989).
