Vaibhav Sooryavanshi announced his arrival on the international stage with a record-breaking innings against Zimbabwe in the first T20I in Harare, becoming the youngest cricketer ever to score a half-century in international cricket.

The left-handed batter smashed his maiden international fifty in just 18 balls, helping India chase down Zimbabwe’s target of 126 runs with ease and secure a seven-wicket victory.

Sooryavanshi reached the landmark at the age of 15 years and 118 days, surpassing Nepal’s Kushal Malla, who previously held the record after scoring an international fifty at 15 years and 340 days.

The teenager’s explosive knock included four boundaries and four sixes, turning the match in India’s favour after the team had restricted Zimbabwe to 125 for seven in 20 overs.

The achievement also placed Sooryavanshi ahead of several legendary names in cricket history. He broke the record previously associated with Sachin Tendulkar, who scored his first international fifty at the age of 16 years and 213 days during a Test match against Pakistan in 1989.

Among other young players on the list are Pakistan’s Shahid Afridi, who scored his maiden ODI fifty at 16 years and 214 days, Mushtaq Mohammad, who achieved the feat at 17 years and 39 days, and Mohammad Ashraful, who scored his first Test fifty at 17 years and 63 days.

The record-breaking innings came after a difficult start for Sooryavanshi, who had failed to make a major impact during India’s previous matches against England. The youngster responded strongly when given another opportunity, producing a match-winning performance.

India also registered several milestones during the seven-wicket win. The team completed one of its quickest 120-plus run chases in T20I cricket, while Indian bowlers continued their impressive record of taking wickets with the first delivery of matches.