Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s record blitz powers India A to tri-series title
Records toppled like dominoes in Dambulla as India A thumped Sri Lanka A in the grand finale of the tri-series to walk away with the bragging rights. The most impressive of the lot was how youngster Vaibhav Sooryavanshi destroyed the Sri Lankan bowlers in an onslaught of the highest order.
Sooryavanshi smashed the fastest half-century in the history of List A cricket, bringing up the feat in just 11 balls. He was also in contention to break the record for the fastest ton in List A cricket, scored by Jake Fraser-McGurk. Unfortunately, his innings came to an end at 94. Vaibhav hammered 10 fours and eight sixes en route to his impeccable innings, scored at a strike rate of 324.14.
India had contributions from everyone as Priyansh Arya (39), Ruturaj Gaikwad (40), Tilak Varma (67), Kumar Kushagra (36) and Vipraj Nigam (27) put in instrumental cameos to keep India’s juggernaut rolling. Anukul Roy upped the scoring rate in a late plunge as he clobbered 39 off just 15 balls, striking one four and four sixes. India posted 377/9 at the end of their 50 overs, and Sri Lanka needed to carve out history to win the series.
The Indian bowlers worked well in unison despite a decent show from Sri Lanka to ensure their win. Wanuja Sahan (62) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (52) were the best of the lot for the hosts, but that was never enough to come within the ballpark of India’s massive total. Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam plundered six wickets between them as India A bundled out Sri Lanka for 311. Sooryavanshi was undoubtedly the Player of the Match for his extraordinary knock up top.
