Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's 94 off 29 powers India A to Tri-Series title by 66 runs
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
India A claimed the Tri-Series title with a commanding 66-run victory over Sri Lanka A in the final at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on 21 June, with 15-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi producing one of the most explosive innings in List A history — 94 off just 29 balls — to set up a match-winning total of 377/9.
Sooryavanshi's Record-Breaking Blitz
Sooryavanshi announced himself on the biggest stage from the first delivery, racing to a half-century in just 11 balls — the fastest fifty ever recorded in List A cricket. The left-hander struck 10 fours and 8 sixes before falling for 94, agonisingly short of a century. His opening stand with Priyansh Arya produced 132 runs in only 53 deliveries, effectively dismantling Sri Lanka A's bowling plans before the powerplay had ended.
India A's Batting Exhibition
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, India A turned the decision into a masterclass. Arya contributed a brisk 39 before departing, and captain Tilak Varma steadied the middle overs with a composed 67 off 90 balls. Varma shared an 84-run stand with Ruturaj Gaikwad, who made 40, and later added another 63 runs alongside Kumar Kushagra (36). Contributions from Nishant Sindhu (16), Vipraj Nigam (27), and Anukul Roy (39) pushed the total to a daunting 377/9 in 50 overs. For Sri Lanka A, Kugathas Mathulan, Ravindu Fernando, and Vanuja Sahan picked up 2 wickets each but could not contain India's relentless batting line-up.
Sri Lanka A's Chase Falls Short
Chasing 378, Sri Lanka A lost 3 wickets for 75 runs early, putting them under immediate pressure. Sadeera Samarawickrama offered resistance with a well-compiled 52, sharing a 53-run fourth-wicket stand with skipper Sahan Arachchige (38), but regular breakthroughs denied the hosts any sustained momentum. At 177/6, the chase appeared all but over, though Vanuja Sahan launched a spirited counterattack with 62 runs, stitching a 77-run seventh-wicket stand with Vijayakanth Viyaskanth (39) to briefly raise hopes. Sri Lanka A were ultimately bowled out for 311 in 47.1 overs.
India A's Bowling Effort
Yash Thakur and Vipraj Nigam led the attack with 3 wickets each, striking at crucial junctures to derail the chase. Anukul Roy claimed 2 wickets, while Ashok Sharma and captain Tilak Varma chipped in with one apiece to wrap up the innings and seal the title.
Brief Scores
India A 377/9 in 50 overs (Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 94, Tilak Varma 67, Ruturaj Gaikwad 40; Vanuja Sahan 2-39, Ravindu Fernando 2-72) beat Sri Lanka A 311 all out in 47.1 overs (Vanuja Sahan 62, Sadeera Samarawickrama 52; Yash Thakur 3-45, Vipraj Nigam 3-60) by 66 runs. India A's next assignment on the international calendar will be watched closely, with Sooryavanshi's name now firmly in the senior selectors' line of sight.