• Source:JND

India's teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi created another record on Sunday after becoming the first male cricketer to score two international fifties before turning 16.

The 15-year-old reached the milestone during the third and final T20I against Zimbabwe. He completed his second T20I half-century with a single off Wessly Madhevere before going on to score an impressive 81 off 49 balls. His innings included eight fours and four sixes before he was dismissed.

Sooryavanshi has enjoyed an outstanding series in Zimbabwe. In the opening T20I, he smashed his maiden international fifty in just 18 balls, becoming the youngest player ever to score a half-century in T20 internationals. He then chipped in with a quick 20 from only nine deliveries in the second match.

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He also got India off to a flying start in the third T20I by hitting Zimbabwe captain Sikandar Raza for a boundary off the very first ball of the innings before adding another four in the same over.

Most 50-plus scores before turning 16 in men's international cricket

  • 2 – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
  • 1 – Kushal Malla


Nepal's Kushal Malla had previously held the record after scoring his first international half-century on his ODI debut against the United States in February 2020.

Sooryavanshi's rapid rise has made him one of the most talked-about young cricketers in the country. While the attention has continued to grow, India wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan has played an important role in helping the youngster settle into international cricket.

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The two players share a close bond, having come from the same region. As one of the senior members of the squad, Kishan has been guiding Sooryavanshi through the challenges of playing at the highest level and helping him stay focused on his cricket.

Speaking after the second T20I against Zimbabwe, Kishan praised the teenager for his maturity. He said Sooryavanshi already has a good understanding of his game and knows how to handle himself despite being only 15.

Kishan also said the senior players are trying to protect the youngster from unnecessary distractions. According to him, the team wants Sooryavanshi to concentrate on his cricket instead of getting carried away by the attention and social media buzz that often follows young stars.


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