BENONI, SOUTH AFRICA – The world of cricket has a new phenom. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the 14-year-old batting sensation, has etched his name into the history books by smashing the fastest-ever half-century in Youth ODI history.
During the 2nd Youth ODI against South Africa at Willowmoore Park on Monday, January 5, 2026, the stand-in captain reached his fifty in a mind-boggling 15 balls. In doing so, he broke a record held by Indian star Rishabh Pant, who scored an 18-ball fifty against Nepal during the 2016 U19 World Cup.
The Carnage in Benoni
Leading the side in the absence of Ayush Mhatre, Suryavanshi played an innings that felt more like a video game than a competitive international match.
- The Final Stats: 68 runs off just 24 balls.
- Boundary Breakdown: 1 four and 10 massive sixes.
- Strike Rate: A staggering 283.33.
- Match Result: India secured an 8-wicket victory via the Duckworth-Lewis Method (DLS), clinching the three-match series 2-0 with one game to spare.
Despite rain interruptions that threatened to dampen the spirits, Suryavanshi’s explosive start ensured India remained well ahead of the par score, effectively “blowing the wind out” of the Proteas’ bowling attack.
A Record-Breaking Resume at Age 14
Suryavanshi’s 2026 debut is just the latest chapter in a precocious career that has already seen him dominate senior-level players.
| Milestone | Achievement | Opponent/Tournament |
| Fastest Youth ODI 50 | 15 Balls (Jan 2026) | South Africa U19 |
| Fastest Youth Test 100 | 52 Balls (2025) | England U19 (Worcester) |
| Fastest IPL Century | 35 Balls (2025) | Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans |
| First-Class Debut | At Age 12 | Bihar (Ranji Trophy) |
Road to the U19 World Cup
This series serves as a final tune-up for the U19 World Cup, which kicks off on January 15, 2026. India, the defending giants, are placed in Group B and will face a competitive path to the trophy.
India’s Group B Schedule (Bulawayo, Zimbabwe):
- Jan 15: vs USA (Queens Sports Club)
- Jan 18: vs Bangladesh
- Jan 21: vs New Zealand
“At 14, Suryavanshi is organic and unprecedented. He doesn’t just play the game; he dictates it. The world is truly at his feet.” — Cricket Analyst Insight