Akash Kumar Choudhary (ANI Photo)

NEW DELHI: It was a day of pure fireworks in Surat as Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary etched his name into the Ranji Trophy record books with a breathtaking display of power hitting — eight consecutive sixes and the fastest fifty in first-class cricket history.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The Meghalaya batter’s whirlwind knock came during his side’s Plate Group clash against Arunachal Pradesh, where he reached his half-century in just 11 balls, surpassing the previous record of 12 balls held by Leicestershire’s Wayne White (2012).Akash Choudhary, batting at number eight, turned the match into a spectacle. After starting with a dot ball and two singles, he launched into a relentless assault, sending the next eight balls sailing over the ropes. In the 126th over, bowled by left-arm spinner Limar Dabi, he struck six sixes in succession — joining cricketing greats like Ravi Shastri and Garry Sobers in an elite club of players to achieve the feat in first-class cricket.

Speaking to ANI after the match, Akash credited his coach for the fearless approach that made the record possible.“It was a lucky day for me that I got good shots. My intentions are always right. I always give 100% in cricket. The result will come by itself. I always strive to maintain my integrity and give 100% to my team,” said Akash.“We had to declare quickly, that’s why the coach messaged us to go and attack — so that’s why I was able to play openly.”Meghalaya declared at 628/6, with Akash unbeaten on 50 off just 14 balls at a strike rate of over 357.Off the field, Akash also expressed deep pride and emotion over India’s historic Women’s World Cup triumph, saying it would inspire girls in his home state.“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.