Benoni, Jan 6 (UNI) Cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi continued his rapid rise by shattering the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in Youth One-Day Internationals during the second Youth ODI against South Africa Under 19 at Willowmoore Park on Monday.
Leading the side in the absence of regular skipper Ayush Mhatre, 14-year-old Suryavanshi produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting to reach his half-century in just 15 balls, surpassing the previous Indian record held by senior India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, who had achieved the feat in 18 deliveries.
The young opener was eventually dismissed for a scintillating 68 off 24 balls, an innings dominated by clean striking. He smashed 10 sixes and just one four, with 64 of his runs coming in boundaries, leaving the South African bowlers struggling to contain him.
Earlier, South Africa U19, after electing to bat, were bowled out for 245 in 49.3 overs. Rain interruptions later reduced India’s target to 174 from 27 overs under the revised conditions.
India’s chase began aggressively, with openers Aaron George and Suryavanshi taking the attack to the hosts. The pair brought up the team’s fifty in just 4.1 overs.
George was the first to depart, scoring 20 off 19 balls, with India at 67 for one in 6.1 overs. Suryavanshi continued his assault before being dismissed by Michael Kruiskamp in the 8.1 over, at which point India were firmly placed at 103 for two in 10 overs.
Thereafter, Vedant Trivedi and Abhigyan Kundu ensured a smooth finish to the chase. Trivedi remained unbeaten on 31, while Kundu anchored the innings with an unbeaten 48 as India crossed the line without further loss.
For South Africa U19, Kruiskamp was the most effective bowler, claiming both Indian wickets and returning figures of 2 for 23 from six overs.
Earlier in the day, South Africa’s innings revolved around a fine century from Jason Rowles, who struck 114 off 113 balls, including seven fours and three sixes. Rowles shared a 97-run partnership with Daniel Bosman (31), but the rest of the batting order failed to provide substantial support.
India’s bowlers were led by Kishan Singh, who returned impressive figures of 4 for 46 in 8.3 overs. RS Ambrish supported well with 2 for 47, while Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel chipped in with a wicket apiece.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashes fastest Indian Youth ODI fifty
