NEW DELHI: Vaibhav Suryavanshi hammered the second-fastest fifty by an Indian in Under-19 ODI history, reaching the landmark in just 20 balls during India’s third match against England on Wednesday. The 14-year-old left-hander went on to smash 86 runs, peppered with six fours and nine towering sixes, while chasing a stiff target of 269 in a 40-over contest.Only Rishabh Pant has scored a faster fifty for India in this format, blazing his way to a 50 off 18 balls against Nepal back in 2016.Suryavanshi has been in red-hot form throughout the series. He set the tone in the opening match with a whirlwind 48 off 19 deliveries, playing a key role in India’s dominant win.In the second ODI, he continued his fine run with a 34-ball 45, but India fell just short as England clinched a thrilling one-wicket victory to level the five-match series 1-1.His latest knock came under pressure, as India looked to take the lead in the series amid a steep chase. Despite the task at hand, Suryavanshi’s fearless strokeplay lit up the innings and further underlined his remarkable consistency.
With scores of 48, 45, and 86 in the first three matches, Suryavanshi has emerged as one of the standout performers in the series — combining power, intent, and composure well beyond his years.
