In a breathtaking display of raw talent and power-hitting, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi announced his arrival on the international stage with a spectacular 32-ball century for India A against the United Arab Emirates. The sensational innings lit up the opening match of the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha on Friday, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe of the young left-hander's capabilities.
A Historic Innings Unfolds
Widely regarded as India's next big batting prodigy, Suryavanshi produced an innings that will be remembered for years to come. The young cricketer brought up his hundred in just 32 deliveries, hammering 10 fours and nine sixes by that milestone. This extraordinary achievement made him the first player ever to score a T20 century for India A, cementing his place in the record books.
His explosive knock set the foundation for India A's massive total of 297/4. Suryavanshi's assault on the UAE bowlers was relentless and brutal, as they struggled to find any answers to his aggressive strokeplay. The teenager eventually departed in the 13th over, caught at deep cover, after scoring a magnificent 144 runs off just 42 balls. His incredible innings featured 15 sixes and 11 boundaries, showcasing his ability to clear the ropes with remarkable ease.
Record-Breaking Performance
With this innings, Suryavanshi has entered the record books in multiple categories. His century now stands as the joint third-fastest T20 century by an Indian, behind only Urvil Patel and Abhishek Sharma, and alongside established star Rishabh Pant. The acceleration in his innings was particularly impressive - he reached his half-century in only 17 balls before taking just 15 more deliveries to score his next 50 runs.
At just 14 years of age, Suryavanshi has achieved something no other cricketer has managed - becoming the first player ever to score two T20 centuries in 35 balls or fewer. His 15 sixes in the innings also place him as joint holder of the second-highest number of sixes hit by an Indian in a T20 innings, matching the achievements of Punit Bisht, Shreyas Iyer and Bhanu Jagdish Pania.
Team Contribution and Match Context
Earlier in the match, India A won the toss and opted to bat first. Suryavanshi opened the innings alongside Priyansh Arya, who contributed a quick 10 off 6 deliveries before falling early. Naman Dhir then joined the young prodigy at the crease, playing a steady supporting role with 34 runs off 23 balls that included three fours and two sixes.
While Dhir provided stability at one end, Suryavanshi launched a ferocious counterattack that completely dominated the UAE bowling attack. After Dhir's dismissal, captain Jitesh Sharma stepped in and continued the momentum, but the day undoubtedly belonged to the teenage sensation whose breathtaking 144 has set a new benchmark for young cricketers across the country.
The Rising Stars Asia Cup has found its first major headline-maker, and Indian cricket appears to have discovered a special talent who could shape the future of the game. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on this remarkable 14-year-old to see what other records he might break.
