Vaibhav Suryavanshi Sets T20 Milestone at Just 14

Post by : Mara Rahim

At the Rising Stars Asia Cup held at West End Park International Cricket Stadium, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi achieved a remarkable feat for India A, scoring a record-equalling T20 century in just 32 balls. His impressive performance left the UAE bowlers and the match commentators in disbelief. His ability to remain composed at such a young age has earned him admiration from fans and cricket experts alike.

Suryavanshi’s explosive innings included an astonishing 144 runs off merely 42 balls, featuring 15 sixes and 11 fours, propelling India A to a total of 297/4. The team secured a resounding victory by 148 runs, but Vaibhav’s performance became the talk of the town. One commentator humorously noted that the young player had imparted “philosophy lessons” on calmness and concentration, illustrating not just his cricketing talent but his poise under pressure.

Before stepping onto the pitch, Suryavanshi politely declined requests for selfies, choosing instead to stay mentally focused. This discipline proved crucial. During the innings break, he emphasized the importance of tranquility and focus in the game. “Fans come to support us, and I don’t feel any pressure. Once you’re on the field, external noise fades away,” he remarked. His level-headedness captured the attention of everyone present, marking him as a unique talent for his age.

Recognizing the influence of his father on his disciplined approach, he stated, “I owe my father a lot. He instilled discipline in me from a young age. I used to question his strictness, but it has shaped my game.” He expressed gratitude for his journey, noting how his early experiences have paved the way for this historic achievement.

With his record innings, Suryavanshi joins Rishabh Pant as the second-fastest Indian to achieve a T20 hundred in just 32 balls. Only Urvil Patel and Abhishek Sharma have scored faster, while the global record belongs to Estonia’s Sahil Chauhan, who scored a century in 27 balls. At 14 years and 232 days, he also became the youngest player to score a hundred for any men’s national team. Notably, he is the only cricketer to have two T20 centuries in 35 balls or fewer, having previously scored a 35-ball century in the IPL.

His innings could have ended prematurely had UAE captain Alishan Sharafu not dropped a catch, but he made the most of that chance. He came close to shattering additional T20 records, flirting with Tilak Varma’s Indian mark and even Chris Gayle’s global milestone before being caught after scoring 144 runs. His performance testified to his talent, mental fortitude, and unwavering focus.

Upon leaving the field, Vaibhav received warm recognition from the India A team, marking the rise of one of cricket’s promising new talents. Beyond the runs, his reflective demeanor has caught the eye of commentators and fans alike, making him not just a record-breaker but a mature voice in the sport.