Did Vaibhav Suryavanshi Just Redefine T20 Cricket with His 32-Ball Century?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi scored a remarkable 144 runs in 42 balls.
- The century was achieved in just 32 balls, marking a record.
- He emphasized playing his natural game suited for T20 format.
- His father played a crucial role in his cricketing discipline.
- Suryavanshi remains unfazed by pressure, focusing on the game.
Doha, Nov 14 (NationPress) After an exhilarating 32-ball century, teen prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi expressed that he played his natural game, especially suited for the T20 format, during India 'A's overwhelming victory against UAE in the Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 opener in Doha. Suryavanshi once again made headlines by smashing a stunning 144 runs off just 42 balls, which led to a remarkable 148-run triumph over UAE. His phenomenal performance propelled India 'A' to a formidable score of 297 for 4, marking the joint fifth-highest total in men's T20 cricket history.
“I just played my natural game, and considering the T20 format, I decided to trust my instincts,” Suryavanshi shared post-match. “I got dropped on the first ball, but I was determined not to alter my intent, given the need for a substantial score on this pitch. The conditions were favorable, and the boundaries were short, so I focused on executing my shots,” he explained to Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
Suryavanshi’s innings showcased an array of clean and fearless striking. The 14-year-old left-handed batsman hit 11 fours and 15 sixes, achieving a remarkable strike rate of 342.85, which ranks as the fourth-highest for a century in T20 cricket.
His century, reached in just 32 balls, is now tied for the second-fastest by an Indian in men's T20s, equaling Rishabh Pant’s record from 2018, and falling just behind the 28-ball centuries by Urvil Patel and Abhishek Sharma during the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024. This feat also stands as the joint-fifth fastest century in the history of T20 cricket.
Attributing his success to his father, Suryavanshi remarked, “Thanks to his strict discipline throughout my childhood. I used to question his strictness, but now I realize its importance. It helped me remain focused on cricket and work hard. Everything I’ve achieved is thanks to my father,” he reflected.
Despite being in the spotlight at a young age, he dismissed any feelings of pressure. “There’s no pressure because the fans are here to support us,” he said. “Once I step onto the field, all external thoughts fade away, and my concentration is solely on the game,” he concluded.