Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s much-anticipated senior India debut turned into a mixed bag on Saturday as the teenage sensation created history by becoming India’s youngest-ever international cricketer but also registered an unwanted record during the second T20I against England in Manchester.
At just 15 years of age, Sooryavanshi surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar to become India’s youngest international debutant. However, his first outing in the national colours ended on a disappointing note as he became the first Indian batter to be dismissed stumped on his T20 International debut.
The left-handed batter scored 14 runs off just 10 deliveries, giving fans a glimpse of his fearless approach. He smashed two towering sixes before attempting another big hit against England off-spinner Will Jacks. Advancing down the track, Sooryavanshi missed the ball completely and was comfortably stumped behind the wickets.
England Chase Down 191 To Take Series Lead
Despite India posting a competitive total of 190/7, England produced a superb batting display to chase down the target with six balls to spare, securing a four-wicket victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series after the opening match was washed out due to rain.
The star of England’s chase was Jacob Bethell, who played a sensational knock of 76 runs off 46 balls, smashing five boundaries and six sixes to anchor the innings.
Arshdeep Singh Rocks England Early
England’s chase got off to the worst possible start as Arshdeep Singh struck with the very first delivery of the innings.
Phil Salt was dismissed for a golden duck before Arshdeep removed captain Jos Buttler, also without scoring, reducing England to a shocking 1/2.
With the hosts under immense pressure, Harry Brook launched a stunning counterattack. The aggressive right-hander blasted 39 runs from just 12 deliveries, putting the Indian bowlers under pressure before Axar Patel trapped him lbw after a successful review.
Bethell And Banton Turn The Match Around
After Brook’s departure, Jacob Bethell combined with Tom Banton to rebuild England’s innings.
Banton contributed a fluent 39, while Bethell continued to dominate India’s bowlers with confident strokeplay.
India managed to regain some control during the middle overs when Arshdeep dismissed Banton and Varun Chakaravarthy removed Will Jacks for nine runs.
However, Bethell completely shifted the momentum in England’s favour by launching an extraordinary assault on Ravi Bishnoi.
The left-hander hammered 29 runs in a single over, bringing up a memorable half-century and effectively putting England on course for victory.
Harshit Rana later dismissed Sam Curran, but Jofra Archer joined Bethell to finish the chase comfortably as England crossed the finish line with one over remaining.
India Posted 190 After Strong Batting Display
Earlier, India produced a solid batting performance after being asked to bat first.
Abhishek Sharma provided an aggressive start, while Ishan Kishan played a fluent knock in the middle overs to keep India’s innings on track.
Tilak Varma added the finishing touches with an important late cameo, helping India post a competitive total of 190/7 from their allotted 20 overs.
Although the total appeared defendable, England’s middle-order resilience, led by Bethell’s match-winning innings, proved too strong as the hosts secured a deserved victory.
While the result did not go India’s way, the match will be remembered as the day Vaibhav Sooryavanshi entered the record books, becoming India’s youngest-ever international cricketer, even if his historic debut also brought an unwanted statistical first.