Surat— Meghalaya batter Akash Kumar Chaudhary created cricketing history on Sunday by hitting the fastest fifty ever recorded in first-class cricket and becoming only the third player to hit six sixes in an over. The record-breaking feat came during Meghalaya’s Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh in Surat.
Chaudhary reached his half-century in just 11 balls, shattering the previous record of 12 balls set by Leicestershire’s Wayne White in 2012. According to ESPNcricinfo, the 25-year-old left the crowd stunned as he smashed eight consecutive sixes — a first in the history of first-class cricket.
The historic moment unfolded during the 126th over of Meghalaya’s innings, when Akash launched six consecutive deliveries bowled by left-arm spinner Limar Dabi into the stands. With this, he joined the elite company of Sir Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri, the only two cricketers before him to achieve six sixes in an over in first-class cricket.
Batting at number eight, Akash began cautiously with a dot ball and two singles before unleashing a storm of boundaries. He completed his fifty in just nine minutes, making it the second-fastest in terms of time — just behind Clive Inman’s 13-ball fifty in eight minutes back in 1965.
Before this game, Akash had modest first-class statistics — 503 runs in 30 matches at an average of 14.37. However, this innings not only rewrote record books but also showcased his explosive potential. Earlier this month, he had struck four sixes in a match-winning 60* against Bihar.
Meghalaya declared their innings at 628/6, with Akash remaining unbeaten on 50 off 14 balls, featuring eight sixes and an extraordinary strike rate of 357.14. His teammates also shone — Arpit Bhatewara scored 207, Rahul Dalal smashed 144, and skipper Kishan Lyngdoh added 119.
In reply, Arunachal Pradesh collapsed for 73 in 27.4 overs in their second innings, with Aryan Bora (4/16) leading the bowling attack. Meghalaya’s commanding performance ensured complete dominance in the match, highlighted by Akash’s unforgettable fireworks.
