Akash Kumar of Meghalaya created a furore in the Ranji Trophy on Day 2 of the match between Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh with a record-smashing blitz. Coming to bat following the fall of Rahul Dalal (144) at 576/6, Akash went on a rampage, slamming eight massive sixes to attain his half-century in just 11 balls-the fastest ever fifty in first-class cricket. His whirlwind knock managed to get Meghalaya declaring at 628/6 against Arunachal Pradesh, having crossed the 600-run barrier with ease.
The 52-run partnership between Akash and Swastic Chettri came off just a handful of deliveries as the right-hander maintained a strike rate of over 300.
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His fearless hitting left the Arunachal’s bowlers hapless as he tore into the attack without restraint. The previous record for the fastest fifty in first-class cricket was held by Wayne White, who reached the mark in 12 balls playing for Leicestershire against Essex back in 2012.
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Akash’s sensational knock followed his unbeaten 60 in Meghalaya’s Ranji encounter earlier against Bihar, having helped the side post 407/7 before declaring. The dominance of Meghalaya in this outing, however, began right from the word go as opener Arpit Bhatewara struck a brilliant double century, while skipper Kishan Lyngdoh notched up a composed 119 and Dalal’s fine 144 set things up perfectly for Akash’s fireworks to finish the innings in style.
