8 sixes, 11 balls, and history: Akash Kumar Choudhary’s Ranji Trophy world record

On November 9, 2025, Indian cricket witnessed a moment that will live for decades. At the Pithwala Ground in Surat, 25-year-old right-arm medium pacer Akash Kumar Choudhary from Meghalaya became the first player ever to hit eight consecutive sixes in first-class cricket. In the process, he set a new world record for the fastest fifty in red-ball history — reaching the landmark in just 11 balls.

Akash finished unbeaten on 50 off only 14 deliveries, every run coming through sixes. It was pure power, composure, and instinct combined in one unforgettable innings that left everyone—from teammates to commentators—speechless.

The record-breaking innings

🚨 Record Alert 🚨

First player to hit eight consecutive sixes in first-class cricket ✅

Fastest fifty, off just 11 balls, in first-class cricket ✅

Meghalaya's Akash Kumar etched his name in the record books with a blistering knock of 50*(14) in the Plate Group match against… pic.twitter.com/dJbu8BVhb1

— BCCI Domestic (@BCCIdomestic) November 9, 2025

Batting at number eight during Meghalaya’s Ranji Trophy Plate Group clash against Arunachal Pradesh, Akash walked in with the score already at 576/6. The team plan was clear: accelerate before declaration. What followed was a spectacle that turned an ordinary morning into history.

Facing left-arm spinner Limar Dabi, Akash hit six sixes in one over—joining an elite club that previously included only Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Shastri. Then, in the next over, he cleared the ropes twice more to complete his fifty in 11 balls.

When Meghalaya declared on 628/6, Akash had smashed eight balls out of the park and scored all 50 runs without a single four. His strike rate crossed 357, a number rarely seen in the longest format of the game.

Scorecard: 50(14)* | 8 sixes | No fours | Strike rate: 357.14

From tough beginnings to a record day

Akash’s story didn’t start in the limelight. He made his first-class debut in 2019 for Meghalaya and spent years grinding through the Ranji circuit. His early numbers were modest — a batting average below 15 and a lean patch where he failed to cross 20 in five consecutive innings.

But 2025 turned the tide. He hit a fighting 60 against Bihar* earlier in the season, hinting at renewed confidence. That form exploded in Surat.

In one unforgettable morning, the bowler from Meghalaya turned into a record-holding batter, proving once again that talent can rise from any corner of India.
His story is built on grit, belief, and raw love for the game.

More than just a power hitter

While this knock made headlines worldwide, Akash remains primarily a bowler first. He opens the attack for Meghalaya, bowls right-arm medium pace, and has consistently delivered in domestic cricket.

His performance on that record day wasn’t limited to batting — he also picked three wickets in the match, including one with the new ball.

Format	Matches	Runs	Wickets
First-Class	31	553	90
List A	28	203	37
T20	30	107	28

His favorite players — Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Hardik Pandya — reflect exactly who he is: a fast-bowling all-rounder with aggression and calm in equal parts.

The exclusive club of six-six hitters

By clearing the boundary six times in a single over, Akash joined cricket legends Sir Garfield Sobers (1968) and Ravi Shastri (1985) in the rare “six sixes club”. But he went further, hitting two additional sixes consecutively—the first in first-class history to do so.

His 11-ball fifty broke Wayne White’s 2012 record of 12 balls for Leicestershire. The full list of fastest fifties in first-class cricket now starts with Akash at the top:

Fewest balls to reach 50 in first-class cricket

Player	Balls	Team	Year
Akash Kumar Choudhary	11	Meghalaya (vs Arunachal Pradesh)	2025
Wayne White	12	Leicestershire	2012
Michael van Vuuren	13	Eastern Province	1985
Ned Eckersley	14	Leicestershire	2012
Bandeep Singh	15	J&K (Ranji Trophy)	2015

Breaking a 13-year-old record, Akash didn’t just enter the history books—he redefined what aggressive batting looks like in the traditional game.

The rise of Northeast cricket

For long, cricket in India’s Northeast stayed outside the headlines. Infrastructure was limited, and opportunities were scarce. But players like Akash are changing that. His performance gave Meghalaya and the entire Northeast region a reason to celebrate.

Every six he hit carried a message: cricket talent can come from anywhere. His feat added momentum to the growing movement of regional teams producing serious professionals through the Ranji Trophy and domestic leagues.

What’s next for Akash Choudhary

With every headline, Akash’s name is echoing across Indian cricket circuits. The Ranji Trophy Plate Group suddenly has a new spotlight, and selectors are watching closely.

If he continues this form — with both bat and ball — he could soon find himself in zonal tournaments or India A contention. His all-round ability makes him an asset in modern cricket, especially as T20 leagues continue to expand.

For now, his focus stays simple: bowl fast, hit hard, and enjoy the game.

Final over — a message from Meghalaya

Akash Kumar Choudhary’s story is a reminder of what cricket truly stands for — effort, belief, and moments that live forever. From struggling to score 20 runs to smashing eight sixes in a row, his journey is what makes cricket special.

If you want to follow more rising stars and their local cricket stories, download the CricHeroes App today. Track matches from your city, score games live, and celebrate every moment that matters.

👉 Download the CricHeroes App now — because your cricket matters.

FAQs

1. Who is Akash Kumar Choudhary?
Akash Kumar Choudhary is a 25-year-old right-arm medium pacer and lower-order batter from Meghalaya who plays in India’s domestic cricket circuit.

2. What record did Akash Kumar Choudhary create in 2025?
He scored the fastest fifty in first-class cricket history, reaching 50 runs in just 11 balls with eight consecutive sixes.

3. When and where did Akash Choudhary’s record happen?
The record took place on November 9, 2025, during a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match between Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh at the Pithwala Ground in Surat.

4. How many sixes did Akash Choudhary hit in a row?
He hit eight consecutive sixes, including six in one over, setting a new world record for consecutive sixes in first-class cricket.

5. Who held the previous record for the fastest fifty in first-class cricket?
The previous record was held by Wayne White of Leicestershire, who took 12 balls to reach fifty in 2012.

6. Who are the other players to hit six sixes in an over in first-class cricket?
Only Sir Garfield Sobers (1968) and Ravi Shastri (1985) had achieved the feat before Akash. He became the first to go beyond with eight consecutive sixes.

7. What is Akash Kumar Choudhary’s main role in the Meghalaya team?
He is primarily a right-arm medium-fast bowler who also contributes as a lower-order batter and has taken 90 wickets in first-class cricket so far.

8. What are Akash Choudhary’s overall career statistics?
As of November 2025, he has played 31 first-class, 28 List-A, and 30 T20 matches, scoring 553, 203, and 107 runs respectively, and taking 90, 37, and 28 wickets.

9. Why is Akash’s achievement important for Northeast cricket?
His record brought national attention to Meghalaya and Northeast India, showing that world-class talent can emerge from smaller cricketing states.

10. What’s next for Akash Kumar Choudhary?
He will continue representing Meghalaya in domestic tournaments and could soon earn selection for zonal competitions or India A if his all-round performances continue.