Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Shatters Records with Explosive 94 in Tri-Series Final
Sooryavanshi's Record-Breaking Performance
In a stunning display of talent, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi overcame a challenging league stage to score an astonishing 94 runs off just 29 balls, which included the fastest fifty in List A cricket history. This remarkable performance propelled India A to a formidable total of 377/9 against Sri Lanka A during the tri-series final held in Dambulla on Sunday.
Opting to bat first, India A appeared poised to surpass the 400-run mark, largely thanks to Sooryavanshi's explosive innings. However, Sri Lanka A managed to regroup during the middle overs. Captain Tilak Varma contributed a steady 67 runs from 90 balls, while Anukul Roy (39 off 15) and Vipraj Nigam (27 off 20) provided crucial late innings runs to push India past 350.
The spotlight was undoubtedly on Sooryavanshi, who hails from Samastipur in Bihar. He reached his half-century in a mere 11 balls, breaking the previous record of 12 balls set by Sri Lankan player Kaushalya Weeraratne in 2005. After a slow start in the series, Sooryavanshi came out with a clear intent, unleashing a barrage of runs that included 50 runs from his first 11 balls, featuring multiple boundaries and sixes.
His record-setting fifty was marked by five sixes and five fours, with the final two sixes coming off pacer Dulaj Samuditha, showcasing his powerful hitting and impeccable timing. Sooryavanshi initially targeted the leg side against seamers before effortlessly switching to the off side as Sri Lanka adjusted their field placements. His ability to clear the ropes with even well-pitched deliveries was particularly impressive.
One of the standout moments of his innings was his effortless lofted shots over extra cover, where he hit three sixes, demonstrating the bat speed and balance that have made him one of India's most promising young cricketers.
Alongside Priyansh Arya, who scored 39, Sooryavanshi forged a partnership of 132 runs for the opening wicket and seemed on track to achieve the fastest century in List A cricket. However, his innings came to an end when spinner Sahan Arachchige caught him at mid-off in the ninth over. Arya followed shortly after, as Sri Lanka began to claw back into the match.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (40) and Tilak then added 63 runs for the third wicket, but the scoring rate slowed significantly. As India sought to accelerate towards the end, wickets fell at regular intervals, yet Nigam and Anukul managed to provide a strong finish.