Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary produced one of the most explosive innings ever seen in first-class cricket, hammering eight consecutive sixes and racing to a record-breaking 11-ball half-century in a Ranji Trophy match in Surat, India, on Sunday.
The stunning knock came during Meghalaya’s Plate Group clash against Arunachal Pradesh, with the 25-year-old — primarily a seam bowler — arriving at number eight after his side had already piled on 576 for 6. After a cautious start, Choudhary tore into left-arm spinner Limar Dabi, launching six balls in a row over the ropes.
The extraordinary feat places him alongside legendary figures Garry Sobers and Ravi Shastri, the only other players to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket.
He wasn’t finished. Facing off-spinner TNR Mohith in the next over, Choudhary thumped two more sixes to bring up his fifty in just nine minutes — the fastest in first-class history and quicker than the previous 12-ball record set by Leicestershire’s Wayne White in 2012. Only Clive Inman’s eight-minute blitz in 1965 was faster by time taken.
Choudhary ended unbeaten on 50 off 14 balls at an eye-watering strike rate of 357, prompting Meghalaya to declare at 628 for 6. He then backed up his batting heroics with the ball, taking 1 for 10 as Arunachal Pradesh folded for 73. Enforcing the follow-on, Meghalaya struck again early, with Choudhary removing the first two wickets to leave the visitors 29 for 3 at stumps.
Reflecting on the innings, Choudhary told ToI taht the team strategy allowed him to play freely. “It was a lucky day for me that I got good shots. My intentions are always right. I always give 100% in cricket. We had to declare quickly, so the coach messaged us to attack — that’s why I was able to play openly.”
He also shared an emotional response to India’s recent Women’s World Cup triumph, saying it would motivate young girls in his home state to take up the game. “I am feeling very proud, I have tears in my eyes after watching the video. Now women’s cricket will go much further. Even in our state, girls will play cricket at the grassroots level, and we can’t be more proud,” he said.
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