Post by : Maya Rahman

In a remarkable display of skill, 14-year-old cricketing prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi captivated audiences with his extraordinary performance for India A during the Rising Stars Asia Cup held at West End Park International Cricket Stadium. The young star achieved a record-equalling T20 century off just 32 balls, leaving both commentators and fans in awe of his talent.

Vaibhav’s innings were nothing short of sensational. He blasted 144 runs off merely 42 deliveries, smashing an impressive 15 sixes along with 11 fours, leading India A to a total of 297/4. India A secured victory by 148 runs, but it was Suryavanshi’s spectacular batting that became the highlight of the match. One commentator humorously noted that the teen had imparted “philosophy lessons” on focus and poise, showcasing not just his cricketing prowess but also his ability to thrive in high-stress situations.

Earlier that day, Suryavanshi had opted to decline selfie requests, showcasing his dedication to maintaining focus. During the innings break, he elaborated on the significance of staying composed throughout the match. “Fans come to support us. I don’t feel any pressure. When you are on the ground, you tune out everything else,” he shared. His impressive clarity of thought and focus were commendable for someone of his age.

He also credited his father's influence in cultivating his discipline and mindset. “I owe a lot to my father for instilling discipline in my life. I once questioned his strictness, but now I appreciate it; it helps me concentrate on the game,” he expressed. Vaibhav reflected on his cricketing journey, appreciating how far he has progressed from his initial days to this groundbreaking achievement.

With this innings, he matched Rishabh Pant as the joint-second-fastest Indian to score a T20 century, achieving the feat within 32 balls. Only Urvil Patel and Abhishek Sharma have completed it quicker, while the global record for the fastest T20 hundred is held by Sahil Chauhan of Estonia at 27 balls. At 14 years and 232 days, he is now the youngest player to score a ton for any men’s national team. Notably, he is the only cricketer with two T20 centuries in 35 balls or less, having previously scored 100 in 35 balls in the IPL.

Suryavanshi's innings nearly concluded prematurely when UAE captain Alishan Sharafu dropped a straightforward catch, but he fully capitalized on that reprieve. He came within reach of breaking additional significant T20 records, briefly challenging both Tilak Varma’s Indian record and Chris Gayle’s global benchmark, before being caught for 144. His performance was a showcasing of raw talent, concentration, and resilience.

As he exited the field, the India A team celebrated his notable achievement, marking the arrival of one of the newest stars in the cricketing realm. Beyond his stellar performance, Suryavanshi’s composed demeanor struck a chord with fans and commentators, establishing him not only as a record-breaker but also as a promising young voice of maturity within the sport.

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