Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Meghalaya's Akash Kumar Choudhary hits 8 consecutive sixes; Registers fastest FC fifty off 11 balls

Akash Kumar Choudhary’s fifty came off in just nine minutes, becoming the second fastest ever in terms of time taken.

Akash Kumar Choudhary of Meghalaya made cricket history during Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Plate Group encounter against Arunachal Pradesh at the C K Pithawala Ground in Surat.

Choudhary achieved the all-time world record for the fastest half-century in First-Class (FC) cricket, scoring 50 runs in 11 balls. His powerful innings included eight sixes, the most notable of which was six sixes in one over against Limar Dabi, establishing him as one of cricket’s best power hitters.

Dabi was hit for six consecutive sixes in the 126th over of the Meghalaya innings, and Akash joined an elite club that previously featured Ravi Shastri and Garry Sobers; South Africa’s Mike Procter also hit six consecutive sixes, albeit over two overs.

Akash had come into bat at No. 8 with Meghalaya on 526/6 as Arpit Bhatewara produced an unbelievable double-hundred (207), and skipper Kishan Lyngdoh contributed significantly with a knock of 119, and Rahul Dalal hit a magnificent 144.

Akash Kumar Choudhary hammers eight sixes in eight balls; hits the fastest first-class fifty

Akash Kumar began his innings with two singles and a dot. He reached his fifty off just 11 balls by smashing the next eight balls for six, more than any other batter in history.

The previous record holders, Wayne Knight of Leicestershire, who reached 50 off 12 balls in 2012, and Clive Inman, who reached 50 off just 13 balls in 1965, were both one ball behind Akash’s half-century. Even though Akash broke the record for the fastest half-century in terms of balls faced, he is still ranked second in terms of time—it took him nine minutes, compared to Inman’s eight.

Choudhary remained unbeaten on 50 off 14 balls, propelling Meghalaya to declare their innings at 628/6. Bandeep Singh of Jammu & Kashmir held the previous Ranji Trophy record, taking 15 deliveries to complete his half-century against Tripura in Agartala in 2015.

Fastest fifties in First Class cricket

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