Bihar batter Vaibhav Suryavanshi slammed a 58-ball century against Maharashtra in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT). The 14-year-old hit seven boundaries and sixes each to reach triple figures, carrying his side to a fighting total of 176/3 in 20 overs. He was the only Bihar batter who was able to cross the 30-run mark as the other players failed to assist him well.
Suryavanshi bags huge milestone with the ton
Suryavanshi went on to complete his century in the 20th over of the innings and did so by smashing a six against Arshin Kulkarni. This saw him not only become just the second Bihar batter to reach triple figures in the SMAT, but also the youngest player to reach the milestone in the tournament's history. The record was previously held by Maharashtra's Vijay Zol, who had scored a century against Mumbai at the age of 18 years and 118 days.
Youngest players to score a century in SMAT -
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Bihar) - 14 years, 250 days
2. Vijay Zol (Maharashtra) - 18 years, 118 days
3. Ayush Mhatre (Mumbai) - 18 years, 135 days
4. Ayush Mhatre (Mumbai) - 18 years, 137 days
5. Shaik Rasheed (Andhra Pradesh) - 19 years, 25 days
Much-needed hundred for Suryavanshi
Suryavanshi remained unbeaten on 108 runs from just 61 deliveries in Bihar's innings. This was a much-needed knock for the batter as he had failed to deliver in the first three games of the SMAT. He had only been able to score a total of 32 runs in the first three matches of the tournament and hadn't looked to be in great touch. This ton wiull definitely be a major confidence booster for him and it may see him get back to his fiery form as the competition progresses.
Meanwhile, Suryavanshi had recently had an impressive campaign for India A in the Asia Cup Rising Stars. He had played an exceptional knock of 144 against UAE and had finished the tournament with 239 runs from just four innings. The 14-year-old will be representing India U-19 in the upcoming U-19 Asia Cup that will commence from December 12 in Dubai.