India beats Zimbabwe as 15-year-old scores record T20I fifty

A 15-year-old batting prodigy announced his arrival on the international stage in spectacular fashion on Thursday, July 23, 2026, as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a record-breaking half-century to lead India to a commanding seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe in Harare. The win at Harare Sports Club ended a six-match losing streak for India in Twenty20 internationals and secured a first victory for new captain Shreyas Iyer.

Chasing a modest target of 126, Sooryavanshi tore into the Zimbabwean bowling attack, reaching his fifty in just 18 balls before being dismissed for 50 off 19 deliveries. His innings, which included four fours and four sixes, turned the chase into a formality. Wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan contributed 35 runs and captain Iyer finished unbeaten on 28 as India reached 126 for 3 with 40 balls to spare.

The teenage opener’s blistering knock etched his name into the record books. At 15 years and 118 days old, Sooryavanshi became the youngest batter from a Full Member nation to score a half-century in international cricket, surpassing a longstanding record set by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. He also set the new benchmark for the youngest player to score a maiden fifty...