Daijiworld Media Network – Surat

Surat, Nov 10: It was a day of fireworks in Surat as Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary etched his name into the Ranji Trophy record books with a breathtaking display of power hitting, smashing eight consecutive sixes and recording the fastest fifty in first-class cricket history.

The Meghalaya batter’s whirlwind knock came during his side’s Plate Group clash against Arunachal Pradesh, where he reached his half-century in just 11 balls, surpassing the previous record of 12 balls held by Leicestershire’s Wayne White in 2012. Batting at number eight, Akash turned the match into a spectacle. After starting with a dot ball and two singles, he launched into a relentless assault, sending the next eight deliveries sailing over the ropes. In the 126th over bowled by left-arm spinner Limar Dabi, he struck six sixes in succession, joining cricketing greats Ravi Shastri and Garry Sobers in the elite club of players to achieve the feat in first-class cricket.

Speaking to ANI after the match, Akash credited his coach for the fearless approach that made the record possible. “It was a lucky day for me that I got good shots. My intentions are always right. I always give 100% in cricket. The result will come by itself. I always strive to maintain my integrity and give 100% to my team,” he said. He added that the team had to declare quickly, which prompted the coach to instruct him to attack freely.

Meghalaya declared at 628 for six, with Akash unbeaten on 50 off just 14 balls at a strike rate of over 357. Off the field, Akash expressed deep pride over India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, saying it would inspire young girls in his home state. “I am feeling very proud, I have tears in my eyes after watching the video. Now women’s cricket will go much further. Even in our state, girls will play cricket at the grassroots level, and we can’t be more proud,” he said.