Cricket
oi-Ashish Rana
Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking display in the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A on Sunday, smashing the fastest half-century in List A cricket history at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. The India A opener silenced critics after a modest tournament and turned the final into a memorable showcase of fearless batting.
15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved the fastest List A half-century in history during the Tri-Nation Series final against Sri Lanka A at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, smashing 94 runs off 29 balls.
Record-Breaking Knock Lights Up Dambulla
India A were asked to bat first in the title clash, and Sooryavanshi wasted no time asserting himself. The left-handed opener attacked from the opening ball, taking on Sri Lanka A’s bowlers with a barrage of boundaries and sixes.
The 15-year-old was particularly ruthless against pacer Mohamed Shiraz. In one explosive over, he plundered 26 runs, shifting the momentum firmly in India A’s favour. The assault continued as he launched another six over long-on to reach his fifty in just 11 deliveries.
The remarkable effort saw him break a List A record that had stood for nearly two decades. At the time of reaching the milestone, Sooryavanshi was scoring at an astonishing strike rate of 454.54.
Pressure Gives Way To Brilliance
The innings came at a crucial moment for the youngster. Before the final, Sooryavanshi had managed scores of 14, 44, 21 and 38 in the tournament.
Although he had shown glimpses of his talent, the slower pitches in Dambulla had made it difficult for him to play his naturally aggressive game. There had also been increased attention on him following an on-field altercation during the league stage.
However, the final provided the perfect platform for the teenager to remind everyone why he is considered one of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects.
Falls Short Of Century After Stunning Assault
Sooryavanshi continued his relentless attack and looked set for a memorable hundred. However, he eventually departed for 94 off just 29 deliveries.
Sri Lanka A captain Sahan Arachchige claimed the prized wicket, while Vijayakanth Viyaskanth completed the catch.
His whirlwind knock included 10 fours and eight sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers with few answers and giving India A a flying start in the championship match.
Youngest India Call-Up Continues Fairytale Rise
The historic innings adds another chapter to Sooryavanshi’s rapid rise in international cricket.
Earlier this month, he earned his maiden India T20I call-up for the tours of Ireland and England, along with selection for the 2026 Asian Games squad.
At 15 years and 71 days, he became the youngest player ever selected for India’s men’s team, surpassing the record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar. If he makes his debut, he will become India’s youngest men’s international cricketer.
While Washington Sundar currently holds the record as India’s youngest T20I debutant, Tendulkar remains India’s youngest player to feature in ODI and international cricket. Sooryavanshi now stands on the verge of adding his own name to those historic milestones.
