India's teenage batting prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scripted history on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in men's T20 International cricket during the opening match of the three-match series against Zimbabwe in Harare.
The 15-year-old reached the landmark in just 18 balls, producing a fearless display of strokeplay that left the Zimbabwe bowlers with few answers. His innings was laced with four boundaries and four sixes as India made light work of the modest target of 126 at the Harare Sports Club.
At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi surpassed Nepal's Kushal Malla, who previously held the record after scoring a T20I fifty at the age of 15 years and 340 days. It should be noted that Sachin Tendulkar previously held the record among full-member nations having scored a fifty at just 16 years and 213 days.
The milestone is the latest in what has been a remarkable rise for the young left-hander, who has quickly established himself as one of the brightest batting prospects in world cricket. Having already impressed with his aggressive approach in domestic and franchise cricket, Sooryavanshi carried the same intent onto the international stage.
India were set up for the chase after a disciplined bowling performance restricted Zimbabwe to 125 for 7 in their 20 overs. The visitors kept the hosts under pressure throughout the innings before Sooryavanshi ensured there would be no late drama with a breathtaking assault at the top of the order.
His innings was built on clean ball-striking and fearless intent, with the teenager taking on both pace and spin from the outset. The rapid fifty also ranks among the fastest by an Indian in men's T20I cricket and underlined his ability to dominate attacks despite his young age.
The record adds another chapter to Sooryavanshi's growing list of achievements. He had already become the youngest player to debut for India in T20Is, and his latest feat further cements his status as one of the game's most exciting emerging talents.
India, meanwhile, moved firmly into control of the series opener thanks to Sooryavanshi's stunning knock, with the visitors comfortably on the verge of chasing down Zimbabwe's total to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match contest.
