Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 13-year-old prodigy from India, delivered a breathtaking performance in the semifinal of the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024 against Sri Lanka. The young left-handed batter left spectators in awe with his fearless approach, especially during an extraordinary 31-run over at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday, December 6.
The stunning 31-run over masterclass by Vaibhav Suryavanshi
Chasing a modest target of 174, Suryavanshi took charge in the second over of India’s innings, bowled by Sri Lanka’s Dunith Sigera. The over began with two consecutive sixes, followed by a perfectly executed cover drive for a boundary. The pressure on Sigera led to an errant wide delivery that raced away for five additional runs. After a dot ball, India benefited from four leg-byes, and Suryavanshi concluded the over with a towering six that cleared the stadium. In total, 31 runs were scored in the over, with 22 runs coming off Suryavanshi’s bat. His fearless stroke play and remarkable composure underlined his immense potential at such a young age.
Here’s the video:
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is making the Lankans tremble 💪
The 13-year-old scores 3️⃣1️⃣ runs in the 2️⃣nd over against 🇱🇰 in the #ACCMensU19AsiaCup Semi-Final 🔥
Watch #SLvIND, LIVE on #SonyLIV 📲 pic.twitter.com/ppIdd1BXA8
— Sony LIV (@SonyLIV) December 6, 2024
Also READ: Key facts about the 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The youngest entrant in IPL 2025 mega auction
A blistering partnership and India’s dominant chase
Suryavanshi was ably supported by his opening partner, Ayush Mhatre, as the pair put together a scintillating partnership of 91 runs in just 51 balls. Mhatre, playing a solid supporting role, contributed 34 runs off 28 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries. Meanwhile, Suryavanshi maintained an aggressive approach, reaching his half-century in just 24 balls with a massive six that further highlighted his dominance.
India’s chase of 174 was a commanding display, as they secured a seven-wicket victory with a staggering 170 balls to spare. Suryavanshi was the top scorer, smashing 67 runs off just 36 balls, which included five towering sixes and multiple elegant boundaries. Contributions from André Siddhart C (22 off 27 balls), captain Mohamed Amaan (25 not out off 22 balls), and KP Karthikeya (11 not out off 8 balls) ensured that India comfortably crossed the finish line.
Sri Lanka’s innings and India’s bowling brilliance
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka elected to bat first but endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets for just eight runs. Dulnith Sigera (2), Pulindu Perera (6), and Vimath Dinsara (0) were dismissed cheaply. However, Lakvin Abeysinghe anchored the innings with a resilient knock of 69 runs off 115 balls, forming a crucial 93-run partnership with Sharujan Shanmuganathan (42 runs off 85 balls). Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 173 in 46.2 overs.
India’s bowlers were clinical, led by Chetan Sharma, who took three wickets for 29 runs. Kiran Chormale and Ayush Mhatre also made significant contributions, claiming two wickets each, while disciplined fielding ensured constant pressure on the Sri Lankan batters.
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