In a stunning display of power-hitting, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved a remarkable feat in the Tri-Nation Series final, scoring 94 runs off just 29 balls against Sri Lanka A. This explosive innings not only propelled India A to a crucial victory but also broke the 21-year-old record for the fastest List A fifty.
Sooryavanshi’s aggressive approach was evident from the first ball, which he hit for a boundary. He went on to hit ten fours and eight sixes, demonstrating exceptional batting prowess. His half-century, achieved in just 11 balls, surpassed the previous record of 12 balls set by Sri Lanka’s Kaushalya Weeraratne in 2005.
A Determined Performance in the Final
Despite a quiet league stage, Sooryavanshi entered the final with a clear intent to dominate. His initial five deliveries resulted in two sixes and three fours, setting a blistering pace for his innings. This performance has led to speculation that a prior on-field exchange with a Sri Lanka A player fueled his motivation for a ‘revenge match’. He reached his fifty with consecutive sixes off bowler Dulaj Samuditha.
Close to a Historic Century
Sooryavanshi narrowly missed equalling Jake Fraser-McGurk’s List A record of a century off 29 balls. He was dismissed at 132 in the ninth over, caught at mid-off after an extraordinary 94-run contribution from 29 deliveries, featuring 10 fours and 8 sixes. This innings has solidified his reputation as a significant emerging talent.
The young cricketer from Bihar has already secured an India T20I call-up for upcoming tours following his impressive performances in the IPL playoffs. His ability to consistently hit sixes, including three over extra cover, was a defining feature of an innings that is likely to be remembered for a long time.
