Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary made history in First-Class cricket on Sunday, smashing eight consecutive sixes and recording the fastest half-century in the format. His extraordinary innings came during a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh, leaving fans and experts astounded.

“It was a lucky day for me that I got good shots. My intentions are always right. I always give 100% in cricket. The result will come by itself. I always strive to maintain my integrity and give 100% to my team,” said Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary after a remarkable Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday. Speaking to ANI, he credited his coach for the fearless approach that allowed him to rewrite the record books. “We had to declare quickly, that’s why the coach messaged us to go and attack — so that’s why I was able to play openly,” he added.

Choudhary, batting at number eight, achieved the extraordinary feat of hitting eight sixes in a row while scoring the fastest half-century in First-Class cricket off just 11 deliveries. He remained unbeaten on 50 from 14 balls, helping Meghalaya declare their innings at a mammoth 628 for six at the CK Pithawala Ground.

The 25-year-old broke the previous record held by Leicestershire’s Wayne White, who scored a fifty in 12 balls against Essex in 2012. Choudhary also became only the third player to hit six consecutive sixes in First-Class cricket, joining the legendary Sir Garfield Sobers of the West Indies and former India all-rounder Ravi Shastri.

Choudhary’s innings began cautiously with a dot ball and two singles before he struck Limar Dabi’s next eight deliveries for six, propelling Meghalaya to a dominant position. Prior to this innings, Choudhary had a modest First-Class record, averaging 14.37 with just two fifties in 30 matches, alongside experience in 28 List-A and 20 T20 games.

Off the field, Choudhary expressed immense pride in India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph. “I am feeling very proud, I have tears in my eyes after watching the video. Now women’s cricket will go much further. Even in our state, girls will play cricket at the grassroots level, and we can’t be more proud,” he said.

Akash’s pulverising innings has firmly put Meghalaya in the driver’s seat in the match. Meanwhile, the youngster’s record-breaking performance and fearless batting have firmly etched his name in cricketing history, inspiring young players across the country. (With inputs from Agencies)