India’s youngest player, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, made his international debut for the country on Saturday. At just 15 years and 99 days old, he replaced Sachin Tendulkar as India’s youngest men’s player. Sooryavanshi scored two sixes from 10 balls but England’s Jacob Bethell ensured hosts won second T20 at Old Trafford.
England were faltering at 51-3 chasing 191 for victory when Bethell came on to bat. The veteran batsman responded with an expertly-paced 76 not out, taking his side to a four-wicket win over the T20 world champions. England’s innings turned decisively in their favour in the 17th over of chase that went for 29 runs.
Bethell struck two free-hit sixes following back-foot no-balls from Ravi Bishnoi. The spinner’s four wicketless overs cost an expensive 60 runs. Bethell hit five fours and five sixes in his 46-ball innings as England won with an over to spare.
Sooryavanshi opened the innings against a majority Indian crowd in Manchester, watched by a primetime television audience back home. He forced his way into India’s tour squad following stunning displays in the IPL where he emerged as the leading batsman this season with 776 runs for Rajasthan Royals.
India captain Shreyas Iyer praised Sooryavanshi’s fearless attitude and unflinching approach to his game, which is sensational to watch. England white-ball captain Harry Brook scored 39 in 15 balls before Bethell’s assault on Bishnoi sealed the victory.