NEW DELHI: Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi once again captured attention as he opened the batting for India A in a crucial Tri-Nation A Series match against Afghanistan A at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla.
Dramatic Start with Controversial Decision
The innings began with significant drama when Sooryavanshi found himself at the center of a contentious third-umpire decision. Batting on nought, the left-hander appeared to have been dismissed after Faridoon Dawoodzai pulled off a stunning one-handed catch at point off the bowling of Shams Ur Rahman.
While the catch looked clean in real time, the third umpire took several looks at the replay and eventually ruled that a part of the ball had touched the ground during the completion of the catch. This decision allowed Sooryavanshi to continue his innings, handing India A an early reprieve.
Surviving Scares and Finding Rhythm
The teenager survived another scare when a straightforward chance was dropped at square leg before he began to find his rhythm. He struck four boundaries and two sixes during a promising knock, adding 75 runs for the opening wicket with Priyansh Arya.
Final Score: 38 Runs Off 28 Balls
Sooryavanshi scored 38 runs off 28 balls against Afghanistan A before his innings was ended by Faridoon Dawoodzai in the eighth over. Attempting to take on a short delivery, he mistimed his shot and was caught by Khalid Taniwal, bringing an end to a knock that showed glimpses of his immense talent but was also aided by a couple of fortunate escapes.
The innings was an improvement on his previous outings in the Tri-Nation A Series, where he had managed scores of 14, 44, and 21. However, the youngster is still searching for the big score that many expected after his remarkable IPL season.
Series So Far
Sooryavanshi's scores in the series: 14, 44, 21, and now 38.
Sooryavanshi entered the series on the back of a sensational IPL 2026 campaign in which he scored 776 runs, won the Orange Cap, and broke the record for the most sixes in a single season. He had also enjoyed a stellar U19 World Cup, further cementing his reputation as one of India's brightest young prospects.
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