Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashes fastest List A half-century

There is a famous saying in cricket: “Let the bat do the talking.” And that is exactly what India’s batting prodigy, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, did against Sri Lanka A in the final of the Tri-Nation A Series 2026.

After finding himself at the centre of attention following a heated altercation during an earlier meeting between the two sides, the teenage sensation responded in the best possible manner. After being invited to bat first in this crucial encounter, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi just dismantled the Lankan bowling line-up single-handedly with a breathtaking display of power-hitting as he smashed a fastest-ever half-century in List-A cricket.

Opening the batting with Priyansh Arya, the 15-year-old sensation was in full flow, scoring boundaries at will. During the fourth over of India A’s innings, Vaibhav smashed a thumping six over long-on to complete his half century in just 11 balls, reaching the landmark at a strike rate of 454.55.

He broke the long-standing record of Sri Lankan batter Kaushalya Weeraratne, who had completed his half century in 12 balls in 2005. Vaibhav did not stop there, as he continued his assault on the Sri Lanka A bowlers, smashing 94 runs in just 29 balls before getting dismissed by Sahan Arachchige in the ninth over. His innings included 10 fours and eight staggering sixes.

Vaibhav had a golden chance to create yet another world record in List A cricket, of becoming the joint-fastest centurion in the format. That record is currently held by Jake Fraser-McGurk, who reached the milestone in just 29 balls for South Australia against Tasmania in 2023. Opener Priyansh Arya too, played a handy knock of 39 runs in 29 balls.