‘Performing early boosts confidence’: Vaibhav Sooryavanshi reflects on record-breaking fifty against Zimbabwe

Teenage batting sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi says making an impact early in his international career has given him the confidence to perform consistently after his record-breaking knock in India’s opening T20I against Zimbabwe in Harare.

The 15-year-old opener smashed 50 off just 19 balls to become the youngest player in international cricket history to score a half-century, helping India begin the three-match series with a commanding victory.

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Reflecting on his match-winning innings, Sooryavanshi said performing in the early stages of his career has strengthened his belief heading into future matches.

“When it’s the starting phase of your career and you get these kinds of innings early on and you perform well, it builds confidence for the upcoming matches. I felt like I was in my zone and I just backed my strengths,” Sooryavanshi said in a video shared by BCCI.tv.

The youngster dedicated his maiden T20I fifty to his family, coaches and everyone who has supported him throughout his journey.

“I would dedicate this fifty to my family, my coaches and everyone who has supported me through every good and bad phase.”

Celebration dedicated to his mother

After reaching his half-century, Sooryavanshi celebrated by making an ‘A’ sign with both hands above his head before giving a thumbs-up gesture.

Explaining the celebration, he revealed that the ‘A’ was a tribute to his mother, Aarti.

“I did that celebration for my mum, and the other one was based on a conversation with Rinku Bhai.”

Youngest player to score an international fifty

Sooryavanshi’s 19-ball fifty eclipsed Nepal’s Kushal Malla, who was 15 years and 340 days old when he scored an ODI half-century against the USA in 2020.

The milestone also made him the youngest Indian to score an international fifty, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar, who was 16 years and 213 days old when he scored 59 against Pakistan during India’s 1989 tour.

The innings came in just Sooryavanshi’s fourth T20I appearance, having become India’s youngest-ever men’s international cricketer earlier this month.

Harare continues to bring out the best in Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Harare has already become a memorable venue for the teenage batter.

Earlier this year, he smashed a stunning 175 off 80 balls against England in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final at the same ground after scoring 68 in the semi-final against Afghanistan, helping India clinch a record sixth Under-19 World Cup title.

His fifty against Zimbabwe also marked a welcome return to form after scores of 14, 13 and 15 in his first three T20Is against England.

“You could say I like the vibe here. There are some grounds where you just love scoring runs. Maybe it’s like that, but I’m not taking this for granted. I’m just trying to give my best, contribute to the team and perform well whenever I play,” he said.