Sooryavanshi, 15, makes debut in India's loss to England
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest man to play for India in men's cricket, but his debut ended in a defeat as England won the second T20 by four wickets.
In the second Twenty20 international at Emirates Old Trafford, 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set a record by becoming the youngest male cricketer to represent India. He surpassed the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who debuted at 16 years and 205 days in 1989. Opening the batting, Sooryavanshi scored 14 runs off 10 balls before being stumped.
England secured a four-wicket victory, reaching 191-6 in 19 overs in response to India's 190-7. Jacob Bethell remained unbeaten on 76 from 46 balls, leading the chase. Harry Brook contributed 39 off 15, and Tom Banton made 39. For India, Ishan Kishan top-scored with 49, while Abhishek Sharma (43) and Shreyas Iyer (37) also chipped in.
Sooryavanshi's inclusion generated huge excitement. He hit two sixes—one audaciously over his shoulder off Jofra Archer and another over cow corner off Josh Tongue—but fell attempting to attack Will Jacks' off-spin. India's total was built on solid contributions but kept in check by Sam Curran's 3-33.
England needed 49 off the last four overs. Bethell tore into Ravi Bishnoi's leg-spin, smashing three sixes in the 17th over to take 29 runs. Archer then calmly clipped the winning runs off the final ball of the 19th over, giving England a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Though not the star performer, Sooryavanshi remains a major attraction due to his age and talent. He is the leading run-scorer in this year's Indian Premier League and had waited for his international chance.
