Harare, July 23: Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scripted cricket history with a stunning half-century as India defeated Zimbabwe by seven wickets in the first T20I at the Harare Sports Club to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Chasing 126, the 15-year-old opener blasted his maiden T20I fifty in just 18 balls before falling for a breathtaking 50 off 19 deliveries, an innings featuring four fours and four sixes. India comfortably reached 126/3 in 13.2 overs, with Ishan Kishan contributing a valuable 35 off 24 balls.
At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a fifty in men’s T20I cricket, breaking Gibraltar’s Louis Bruce’s previous record of 16 years and 56 days. He also became the youngest player from a Full Member nation to score an international fifty, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record. Tendulkar had achieved the feat at 16 years and 213 days against Pakistan in a Test match in 1989.
Earlier, India’s bowlers set up the victory by restricting Zimbabwe to 125/7 after captain Shreyas Iyer elected to field. Fast bowler Mayank Yadav starred with figures of 2/18 in four overs and was named Player of the Match, while Prince Yadav also claimed two wickets. Wessly Madhevere top-scored for Zimbabwe with 39.
The victory was also significant for Shreyas Iyer, who registered his first win as India’s T20I captain. However, the night belonged to Sooryavanshi, whose fearless innings reinforced his reputation as one of world cricket’s brightest young talents.
