Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar creates history by registering fastest fifty in First-Class history

Meghalaya batter Akash Kumar Choudhary registered his name in history books by smashing the fastest fifty in First-Class cricket, reaching the feat in just 11 balls. The moment came during Meghalaya’s ongoing Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh at the C K Pithawala Ground in Surat on Sunday.

The Ranji Trophy Plate Group has recently become a platform for record-breaking performances. From Bihar’s Vaibhav Suryavanshi becoming the youngest Ranji player ever, to Goa’s Kashyap Bakle and Snehal Kauthankar forging the highest-ever 606-run partnership, the division has consistently produced remarkable feats. Meanwhile, Akash not only broke the Ranji Trophy record but also surpassed the global First-Class record for the fastest half-century.

Coming in towards the end of Meghalaya’s first innings, the batter went all out against the Arunachal bowling attack. His 50 came off just 11 balls, bettering the previous record of 12 balls set by England’s Wayne White for Leicestershire against Essex in 2012.

Akash remained unbeaten on 50 runs off 14 deliveries, featuring eight consecutive sixes, including an over of six sixes. His batting led to Meghalaya declaring their innings at 628 for six.

Earlier in the innings, Meghalaya’s Arpit Bhatewara (207) and R. Dalal (144) went all out. But it was Akash’s cameo that pushed the total over 600. Akash’s record now stands atop the list of the fastest fifties in First-Class cricket.

Fastest fifties in First-Class matches:

11 balls – Akash Kumar Choudhary (Meghalaya vs Arunachal Pradesh, Surat, 2025)

12 balls – Wayne White (Leicestershire vs Essex, 2012)

13 balls – Michael van Vuuren (Eastern Province B vs Griqualand West, 1984/85)

14 balls – Ned Eckersley (Leicestershire vs Essex, 2012)

15 balls – Bandeep Singh (Jammu & Kashmir vs Tripura, 2015/16)