Days after turning 15, Rajasthan Royals opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has celebrated with a 15-ball half-century in a commanding eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Sooryavanshi, who lit up his debut season with a 35-ball hundred against Gujarat Titans last year, took only 15 balls to smash his first 50 of the season — the third 50-plus score of his eight-match IPL career so far.
Alongside fellow opener and India batter Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sooryavanshi tore into the Chennai attack in the powerplay, leading the team to 74 without loss.
Sooryavanshi was dismissed for 52 after 17 balls, including five sixes and four fours, after sharing a blistering 75-run stand with Jaiswal, who holds the record for the fastest half-ton in IPL history at 13 balls.
Rajasthan sealed victory in just 12.1 overs after chasing down a victory target of 128.
“I think of defending but the plan was to decide the game in the powerplay, as we’d restricted them to a low score,” Sooryavanshi said.
“If the bowlers had bowled well in the powerplay then the game might have turned their way but we went all out in the powerplay.”
The Under-19 World Cup winner credited Rajasthan coach Kumar Sangakkara and staff for backing his attacking instincts.
“They told me to read the situation well and back my game,” he said.
Rajeev Shukla, vice-president of Indian cricket’s governing body, said the teenager was “something else”.
“A complete wizard of cricket,” the director of the Asian Cricket Council wrote on social media.
“An innocent face, but ferocious against any bowler in the world. I think he’s going to shatter everyone’s records.”
Rajasthan’s quick chase followed a brilliant bowling effort.
Their attack reduced Chennai to 4-41 at the end of the powerplay, putting the visitors firmly on the back foot before they were dismissed for 127 in 19.4 overs.
South Africa pace bowler Nandre Burger led the charge with figures of 2-26 and was named player of the match, while Jofra Archer and Ravindra Jadeja also took two wickets apiece.
Rajasthan will next face Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad on Saturday, while Chennai host Punjab Kings on Friday.
Reuters