A new name just etched itself into the annals of Indian cricket, and it belongs to a kid who probably still has homework due. Fifteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, at an astonishing 15 years and 99 days old, became India's youngest ever T20 debutant. Let that sink in for a moment. He literally broke a record previously held by Sachin Tendulkar.
Sooryavanshi stepped onto the hallowed grounds of Old Trafford to face England, and he didn't just warm the bench. Opening the batting for India, he immediately introduced himself to the world with two massive sixes, racking up 14 runs from just 10 balls. Because apparently, when you're 15 and making history, you don't just gently tap the ball.
England's Day, Despite the Kid
While Sooryavanshi was busy making headlines, England was busy winning the game. Twenty-two-year-old Jacob Bethell was the architect of their chase, scoring an unbeaten 76 runs that guided England to a four-wicket victory. This put them 1-0 up in the five-match series, proving that sometimes, even record-breaking teens can't win every battle.
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Start Your News DetoxEngland was chasing a hefty 191. Bethell arrived at the crease with the score at a slightly precarious 51-3. He then proceeded to dismantle the Indian bowling attack, including hitting two sixes off free hits in the 17th over — a moment that decidedly swung the momentum. He finished with five fours and five sixes off 46 balls, securing the win with an over to spare.
Meanwhile, young Sooryavanshi, after his explosive start, was eventually stumped by Will Jacks. India's innings also saw Ishan Kishan chip in with 49 runs and Abhishek Sharma add 43, but Sam Curran's three wickets kept England in control.
England's chase didn't start smoothly, with openers Phil Salt and Jos Buttler both getting ducks in the very first over. But Harry Brook briefly counterattacked with a rapid 39 off 15 balls, including three consecutive sixes, before Bethell took over. It seems even on a day when a teenager makes history, cricket still finds ways to deliver its usual dose of dramatic swings and unexpected heroes. Just, you know, slightly older ones this time.
