Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi rewrote the record books on Monday, smashing the fastest-ever half-century in Youth ODIs during India Under-19’s second match against South Africa. Leading the side in the absence of injured regular skipper Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi reached his fifty in just 15 balls at Willowmoore Park in Benoni.
The feat surpassed the previous record of 18 balls held by senior India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, which had stood since the 2016 Under-19 World Cup. Suryavanshi’s aggressive 68-run cameo off 24 deliveries featured 10 sixes and a single boundary, effectively deciding the contest within the opening powerplay.
The match, serving as a vital warm-up for the upcoming Under-19 World Cup, saw South Africa bat first and post 245 after a composed century from Jason Rowles, 114. India’s bowling attack, led by Kishan Singh’s 4/46 and RS Ambrish’s two wickets, ensured the hosts were bowled out in the final over.
However, rain and lightning interruptions during the chase forced a delay, eventually resulting in a revised DLS target of 174 from 27 overs. Suryavanshi’s opening onslaught meant India remained well ahead of the required rate throughout the interruptions, leaving the middle order with a straightforward task upon the restart.
Following Suryavanshi’s dismissal in the ninth over, Vedant Trivedi and Abhigyan Kundu navigated the remaining chase with composure. The pair shared an unbeaten 81-run partnership, with Kundu finishing on 48 not out and Trivedi contributing 31 not out to guide India to an eight-wicket victory in the 24th over.
Suryavanshi’s record-breaking performance adds to an already impressive resume for the young left-hander, who also holds the record for the fastest hundred at the Under-19 level; a 52-ball ton against England last year.
While India’s regular leadership duo of Mhatre and Vihaan Malhotra are expected to return for the World Cup on January 15, Suryavanshi’s form as stand-in captain has solidified his place as a primary attacking threat. The two teams will meet again on Wednesday for the final ODI of the series at the same venue.
