Vaibhav creates storm in Tri-Series final, breaks 20-year-old world record with 11-ball fifty
India A batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed the fastest fifty in List-A cricket history, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls during the Tri-Series final against Sri Lanka A.
Dambulla (The Uttam Hindu): India A youngster Vaibhav Suryavanshi delivered a stunning performance in the Tri-Series final, smashing the fastest half-century in List-A cricket history. The 15-year-old batter achieved the milestone against Sri Lanka A, rewriting the record books with a breathtaking innings.
Playing at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka A won the toss and opted to bowl first. However, Vaibhav immediately put the bowlers under pressure, hitting a boundary off the very first ball of the innings and continuing his aggressive approach throughout the powerplay.
The young opener raced to his fifty in just 11 balls, setting a new world record for the fastest half-century in List-A cricket. He reached the landmark with his fifth six of the innings, surpassing a record that had stood for nearly two decades. The previous record belonged to Sri Lankan batter Kaushalya Weeraratne, who scored a 12-ball fifty while representing Ragama Cricket Club during the 2005-06 season.
The achievement was particularly significant because Vaibhav had faced criticism over his recent performances earlier in the tournament. He had also been involved in a heated on-field exchange with a Sri Lanka A player, making him one of the most talked-about cricketers heading into the final. Responding in the best possible way, he silenced critics with a remarkable display of attacking cricket.
Misses century, but wins hearts
Vaibhav looked set for a sensational century but fell just six runs short of the milestone. He scored a blistering 94 runs off only 29 balls, striking 10 fours and 8 sixes. His explosive knock provided India A with a dream start and played a crucial role in shaping the course of the final.
Fastest fifties in List-A cricket
11 balls – Vaibhav Suryavanshi (India A vs Sri Lanka A, Dambulla, 2026)
12 balls – Kaushalya Weeraratne (Ragama Cricket Club vs Kurunegala Youth Cricket Club, 2005-06)
13 balls – Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka Army Sports Club vs Bloomfield, 2020-21)
14 balls – Rory Kleinveldt (Western Province vs KwaZulu-Natal, 2010-11)