TEENAGE SENSATION SOORYAVANSHI STEALS THE SHOW, BUT BETHELL AND ENGLAND STEAL THE MATCH
TEENAGE SENSATION SOORYAVANSHI STEALS THE SHOW, BUT BETHELL AND ENGLAND STEAL THE MATCH
Manchester witnessed a slice of cricketing history on Saturday as 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player ever to represent India in international cricket — but it was England who had the last laugh, chasing down India's total to win the second T20I at Old Trafford by four wickets.
India won the toss and chose to bat first, handing Sooryavanshi his long-awaited debut cap from Tilak Varma in place of the out-of-form Sanju Samson. At just 15 years and 99 days old, the young left-hander eclipsed Sachin Tendulkar's long-standing record as India's youngest-ever international debutant, and became the youngest player anywhere in the world to feature in a T20I in years.
He didn't take long to make an impression either. Facing England's pace attack of Jofra Archer and debutant Josh Tongue, Sooryavanshi announced himself with sixes off his very first deliveries, sending an early ripple of excitement through the Old Trafford crowd. His stay at the crease was brief, though — he departed for 14 off just 10 balls, having helped put on a brisk 50-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma inside the powerplay.
Abhishek Sharma carried on where the youngster left off, making 30, while India's middle order — Ishan Kishan and captain Shreyas Iyer among them — added further impetus to push the total along. India finished their 20 overs on a competitive 190 for 7.
In reply, England were given a guiding hand by Jacob Bethell, who played a captain's innings from the middle order, finishing unbeaten on 76 off 46 balls to see his side home. His assault on India's spinners, including Ravi Bishnoi, proved the difference on the night, as England reached their target of 191 with 191 for 6, getting there in 19 overs with six balls and four wickets to spare. Sam Curran also played his part with a lively contribution that earned him the tournament's MVP points, while Bethell was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
The result puts England 1-0 up in the five-match series, following a washed-out opener in Chester-le-Street, though the day's headlines will belong to young Sooryavanshi, whose composure and clean striking suggest India may have unearthed a serious talent for the future.
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