Meghalaya's Akash Choudhary slams fastest-ever FC half-century in 11 balls
What's the story
Meghalaya cricketer Akash Choudhary has created history by scoring the fastest-ever half-century in First-Class cricket. The 25-year-old achieved this feat during a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh at the Pithwala Ground in Surat. He took just 11 balls to reach his half-century, breaking Wayne White's record of 12 balls set in 2012, as per ESPNcricinfo.
Record-breaking knock
3rd player in history to make this record
Choudhary's innings was nothing short of a spectacle. He hit eight sixes in total, including six in one over off left-arm spinner Limar Dabi. This made him only the third player in FC cricket history to hit six sixes in an over, joining the likes of Ravi Shastri and Garry Sobers. South Africa's Mike Procter also hit six consecutive sixes but across two overs.
Match impact
Choudhary faces 3 dot balls
Choudhary came in at number eight with the score already on 576/6. He then took Meghalaya's total to 628/6 before the team declared. Despite his explosive innings, Choudhary faced three dot balls and ended up with a score of 50*(14), which included no fours but eight sixes. Along with Shastri, he is one of only two players to have hit six sixes in an over in Ranji Trophy history.
Dual role
Choudhary takes 1st wicket with new ball
Choudhary's contribution to the match wasn't just with the bat. He also opened the bowling with a new ball and took the first wicket of Arunachal Pradesh's second innings. This added another feather to his cap on a memorable day for him.