India’s Krunal Pandya smashes World Record in ODI debut

India all-rounder Krunal Pandya has broken the world record for the fastest half-century scored in a One Day International (ODI) debut.

India's Krunal Pandya smashes World Record in ODI debut f

“This one is for my father.”

India all-rounder Krunal Pandya has broken the world record for the fastest 50 scored by an ODI debutant.

Pandya made his One Day International (ODI) debut against England in Pune on Tuesday, March 23, 2021.

The 29-year-old reached a half-century in a record-breaking 26 balls in India’s first ODI match against England.

He now overtakes New Zealand’s John Morris, who completed his half-century in 35 balls in 1990.

Pandya’s half-century is also the fastest ODI 50 scored by an Indian since 2012.

As well as this, the left-handed batsman achieved an unbeaten 112-run stand with KL Rahul for the sixth wicket.

Overall, his batting performance helped India to end their innings at 317 for five in 50 overs.

After the match, Krunal Pandya undertook an emotional interview with former cricketer and commentator Murali Kartik.

Kartik asked Pandya about his unbeaten knock of 58 in 31 balls, and how he felt after his achievement.

Before being overcome with emotions, Pandya said:

“This one is for my father.”

Krunal Pandya’s father passed away in January 2021 as a result of a heart attack. Pandya dedicated his performance to his memory.

After the interview with Murali Kartik, Krunal Pandya’s younger brother and all-rounder Hardik embraced him for his strength and effort.

Hardik also presented the cricketer with his maiden ODI cap.

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised Krunal Pandya for his new world record.

During the innings break, Gavaskar said:

“His father would be super proud of his achievement.

“Krunal was very emotional when he was getting the cap. Hardik presented the cap to Krunal.

“That was an excellent gesture from Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri to allow Krunal’s brother to give him that cap.”

Krunal Pandya was not the only member of the Indian side to break a record in the team’s first ODI against England.

Captain Virat Kohli broke former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting’s record for his knock of 56.

Kohli scored 60 off 56, and completed 10,000 international runs at home during the knock.

Ponting completed 10,000 international runs on home soil in 221 innings, and until now held the record for the fastest batsman to reach the milestone.

However, Kohli surpassed Ponting in just 176 innings at India’s first ODI against England.

The Indian captain is now only the sixth batsman to achieve the feat.

His achievement sits alongside that of Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, and Kumar Sangakkara.

Louise is an English and Writing graduate with a passion for travel, skiing and playing the piano. She also has a personal blog which she updates regularly. Her motto is "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

Images courtesy of Krunal Pandya Instagram




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