WATCH: Meghalaya's Akash Kumar hits 8 sixes in a row, scores a record-breaking 11-ball fifty

Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar has made history in the annals of first-class cricket with a sensational batting performance that left cricket fans and experts in awe. In a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh held in Surat, the 25-year-old scripted two extraordinary records that redefined boundaries in red-ball cricket.

Record-breaking innings from Akash Kumar

Akash Kumar became the first player ever to hit eight consecutive sixes in first-class cricket, a feat previously unheard of at this level.

Starting his innings calmly with a dot ball followed by two singles, Akash then unleashed a powerful assault on Arunachal Pradesh’s bowling attack, smashing eight sixes off eight consecutive deliveries.

Six of these sixes came in a single over bowled by Limar Dabi, a feat that catapulted him into the elite company of Ravi Shastri and Garry Sobers, the only other batters to have achieved a six sixes in an over feat, although Akash extended this with two more consecutive sixes right after.

Alongside this feat, Akash also set a new benchmark by scoring the fastest fifty in first-class cricket history, reaching the milestone off just 11 balls.

This blazing half-century surpassed the previous record of 12 balls held by England’s Wayne White, who recorded the feat for Leicestershire in 2012. The innings, which ended unbeaten on 50 from 14 balls, was a breathtaking display of power-hitting, timing, and impeccable stroke selection.

Read Also: Top 10 fastest 50s in IPL history.

Meghalaya declared on 628/6

Meghalaya declared their innings at a massive 628 for 6, fueled by strong contributions from multiple players, including centuries from Arpit Bhatewara, Kishan Lyngdoh, and Rahul Dalal. Akash’s explosive cameo added a thrilling crescendo to an already dominant performance.

Akash’s career before this moment had been moderate, with two fifties in 10 innings over his 30 first-class matches since debuting in 2019. However, his recent form indicated a surge, and this innings confirmed his arrival on the big stage with a statement.

Further enhancing his all-round impact, Akash contributed with the ball as well by taking an early wicket, sparking a collapse that led to Arunachal Pradesh being bowled out for a mere 73 runs in their innings, trailing Meghalaya by a colossal 555 runs.