Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lit up the Tri-Nation Series final in Dambulla with a breathtaking display of fearless strokeplay, smashing an explosive 94 off just 29 deliveries to put India A firmly in command against Sri Lanka A. The 15-year-old prodigy, who had endured a relatively quiet tournament until the summit clash, announced himself in spectacular fashion, tearing apart the Sri Lankan bowling attack with a barrage of boundaries and towering sixes in one of the most memorable knocks of the competition.
At the latest update, India A had raced to 167/2 in 17.5 overs, with Ruturaj Gaikwad unbeaten on 10 and Tilak Varma batting on 20 as they looked to build on the explosive platform laid by the opening pair.
The 15-year-old prodigy, who had struggled to convert his starts into big scores earlier in the tournament, saved his best for the summit clash. From the outset, Sooryavanshi looked in complete control, tearing apart the Sri Lankan bowling attack with fearless strokeplay. His blistering innings included 10 fours and eight sixes, with bowlers left searching for answers.
One of the defining moments of his innings came against pacer Mohammed Shiraz, whom the left-hander plundered for 26 runs in a single over. Sooryavanshi also scripted history by reaching his half-century in just 11 balls, registering the fastest fifty in List A cricket and breaking a two-decade-old record.
By the end of the first five overs, India A had stormed to 88 without loss at a staggering run rate of 17.60. At that stage, Sooryavanshi was unbeaten on 65 from only 16 deliveries, while opening partner Priyansh Arya provided excellent support with 21 off 14 balls.
The opening duo gave India A a flying start before Arya eventually departed for a fluent 39 after being dismissed by Dulaj Samuditha. Soon after, Sooryavanshi’s sensational knock came to an end when Sri Lanka A skipper Sahan Arachchige dismissed him with the youngster agonisingly six runs short of a remarkable century.
Earlier in the day, Arachchige had won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. However, the decision backfired spectacularly as India A’s aggressive batting approach completely dominated proceedings.
Regardless of how the final unfolds, the day already belongs to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. His sensational 29-ball 94 not only shifted the momentum decisively in India’s favour but also reaffirmed why he is considered one of the brightest young talents in Indian cricket.
