Vaibhav Sooryavanshi believes his record-breaking maiden international half-century has given him the confidence he needs after a difficult start to life in international cricket. The 15-year-old announced his arrival in style by smashing an 18-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in men’s international cricket. The knock marked a dramatic turnaround for the teenage opener, who had endured a disappointing debut series against England. Sooryavanshi managed just 42 runs across his first three T20I innings, scoring 14 off 10 balls, 13 off five deliveries and 15 off 10 balls. After helping India secure a seven-wicket victory over Zimbabwe and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Sooryavanshi said the innings would play a key role in boosting his self-belief at the start of his international journey. “When you are in the starting phase of your career, and you get such an innings at the start, you get confidence for the next matches. It felt like I was in my zone and I backed my own strength,” Sooryavanshi said in a video posted by the BCCI. At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed a long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian batting legend was 16 years and 213 days old when he scored his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in the Faisalabad Test in 1989. Harare has become a particularly memorable venue for the youngster. Earlier this year, he lit up the same ground with a breathtaking 175 off 80 balls against England in the final of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup. Months later, he returned to the venue to produce another innings that underlined his immense potential. Despite enjoying success in Harare, Sooryavanshi insisted he is not taking any venue or opportunity for granted and remains focused on making meaningful contributions wherever he plays. “There are some grounds where you like to make runs. I am not taking it for granted. I am just trying to play wherever I can, give my best, contribute to the team and do well,” he said. The teenager also acknowledged the role played by those who have supported him throughout his rise, dedicating the milestone to his family and coaches. “I will dedicate myself to my family, to my coaches, to everyone who supported me in my journey,” he concluded. Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock laid the foundation for India’s comfortable chase of Zimbabwe’s 125 for seven, with the visitors sealing victory by seven wickets and taking an early advantage in the three-match T20I series.
