Sooryavanshi's Record-Breaking Knock Powers India A to Victory
Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stunned the cricketing world with a breathtaking 94 off just 29 balls in the tri-series final between India A and Sri Lanka A at Dambulla on Sunday. His innings included the fastest half-century in List A cricket history, reaching the mark in only 11 deliveries.
Sooryavanshi's blitz surpassed the previous List A record of a 12-ball fifty set by Sri Lanka's Kaushalya Weeraratne over two decades ago. He also broke Yuvraj Singh's record for the fastest fifty in the format.
Coach Ojha Lauds Intent and Strokeplay
Manish Ojha, Sooryavanshi's coach, praised his aggressive approach from the very first ball. "Vaibhav batted magnificently. Right from the very first ball, he maintained his intent and aggression, converting every loose delivery into runs. He broke Yuvraj Singh's record for a 50 off just 11 balls, hitting 5 sixes and 5 fours in the process...his batting was outstanding, particularly the strokes he executed over the covers and the sixes and fours he hit down the ground over the bowler's head," Ojha told ANI.
Dominant Display with Bat and Ball
Sooryavanshi's whirlwind knock featured 10 fours and eight sixes, dominating the powerplay after India A were asked to bat first. He was just six runs short of equalling the fastest List A century, currently held by Australia's Jake Fraser-McGurk (29 balls for South Australia in 2023).
India A posted a commanding total of 377, powered by Sooryavanshi's 94, Priyansh Arya (39), Ruturaj Gaikwad (40), skipper Tilak Varma (67), and Kumar Kushagra (36). In response, Sri Lanka A were bowled out well short of the target despite fifties from Sadeera Samarawickrama and Wanuja Sahan. Yash Thakur struck early in the powerplay to remove the top order, and India maintained control throughout.
Tri-Series Triumph
India ended the tri-series on a high, producing their best performances in the final two matches, including a must-win league game against Afghanistan A, before sealing a comprehensive 66-run victory in the final.
