New Delhi: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi gave yet another impressive reminder of his incredible talent as the 15-year-old Indian batsman smashed a record-breaking 94 off just 29 balls against Sri Lanka A in the Tri-nation final at Dambulla on Sunday.The highlight of his knock was an 11-ball 50 – the fastest in the history of List A cricket – as India A defeated Sri Lanka A by 66 runs to lift the title. Sooryavanshi’s innings showed pure execution from the start, with his first 11 balls reading: 4, 4, 4, 6, 6, 0, 6, 4, 4, 6, 6.His 94-run blitz included 10 fours and six sixes, setting the tone for India A’s massive 377/9 before Sri Lanka A were bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs.
‘This is not IPL’ jibe goes viral
The knock was exacerbated by a spat between the two teams, when Sri Lanka A defeated India A in the Super Over and the tension continued after the match.During the tournament, Sooryavanshi was involved in a heated exchange, with the Sri Lankan player allegedly telling him, “This is not the IPL” after India’s defeat in the A Super Over.On Sunday, the IPL franchises were quick to relive the moment when the youngster made headlines in a surprising manner. Rajasthan RoyalsRoyal Challengers Bengaluru, and Delhi Capitals both celebrated the 11-ball fifties on social media, clearly chanting “This is not the IPL” while praising Sooryavanshi’s strong response.The way the word went viral turned it into a symbol of redemption, with fans and franchises praising the youngster’s fearless approach on the big stage.
No pressure, just pure destruction
Despite the earlier controversy and mixed run in the third series, Sooryavanshi insisted that he played under no pressure and focused on the execution.“I didn’t think about anything. I just wanted to do what I planned,” he said after being named Player of the Match.The youngster, who is expected to play in the T20 series in India later this month, credited his coaches for helping him get back on track early in the series.
The record-breaking talent continues to grow
11-ball Sooryavanshi broke the previous List A record of 12 balls held by Sri Lanka’s Kaushalya Weeraratne dating back to 2005, proving the extent of his feat.His knock also saw him miss out on the record for the fastest List A hundred, when he reached 94 while attempting another big hit, which came in the middle of the ninth hour.From dominating the IPL stages at the start of the year to now demolishing the bowling attack in international youth cricket, Sooryavanshi continues to make a name for himself as one of India’s most explosive young players.
