Suryavanshi hits quickfire fifty to lead Royals to victory over CSK

Vaibhav Suryavanshi whacked the joint-third fastest half-century in Indian Premier League history as he helped Rajasthan Royals to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Chennai Super Kings.

Set a modest 128 for victory by CSK in the opening game for both sides in this year’s tournament, the 15-year-old Royals opening batter hammered 50 off just 15 balls in Guwahati.

It was just two balls more than the record set by his Rajasthan opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal against Kolkata Knight Riders in 2023.

The teenager was dismissed by seamer Anshul Kamboj – caught at extra cover – on 52 off 17 balls with a strike-rate of 305.88 having hammered four fours and five sixes.

After watching Suryavanshi break the back of the chase Jaiswal made an unbeaten 38 off 36 balls as the Royals cruised over the line with 47 balls remaining.

“The plan was to go big in the powerplay. The wicket was sticky early on but then it eased up,” Suryavanshi said.

“The coaches have told me that they back me and they’re behind me. They told me to read the situation and back my game.

“After every ball, Jaiswal didn’t tell me to take a single. He told me that the ball’s going off the bat nicely and to keep going.”

Earlier, England fast bowler Jofra Archer took 2-19 to finish the pick of the Rajasthan bowlers as the Super Kings lost wickets at regular intervals.

Jamie Overton, one of three CSK players into double figures, added some respectability as he top-scored with 43 off 36 balls. (BBC)