6, 6, 6... and five more! Meghalaya's Akash Choudhary turns bowler to beast with 8 consecutive sixes and fastest fifty in first-class cricket

Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary scripted history on Sunday by becoming the first cricketer to hit eight consecutive sixes in First-Class cricket and by recording the fastest fifty in the format, off just 11 balls, during a Ranji Trophy Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh at the CK Pithawala Ground.

Primarily known as a fast bowler, the 25-year-old stunned spectators and teammates alike with an explosive batting display on the second day of play.

Walking in at No. 8 with Meghalaya comfortably placed at 576 for six, Choudhary began cautiously with a dot ball and two singles before launching into left-arm spinner Limar Dabi, smashing six sixes in an over.By doing so, he joined an elite list of players, Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Shastri, who had previously achieved the rare feat of six sixes in a single over in First-Class cricket. Choudhary, however, went two steps further, clearing the ropes with the next two balls he faced to complete his 50 in just 11 deliveries.

Most Sixes In A Row First-Class Cricket



He surpassed the earlier record for the fastest fifty in First-Class cricket, which was set by Leicestershire’s Wayne White off 12 balls against Essex in 2012. Choudhary’s unbeaten 50 off 14 balls helped Meghalaya declare their innings at a towering 628 for six.

Fastest First-Class 50s



Before this remarkable performance, Choudhary had an average of just 14.37 in 30 First-Class games, with only two previous fifties to his name. He has also represented the North East Zone in the Duleep Trophy and played 28 List-A and 20 T20 matches.

In response, Arunachal Pradesh were bowled out for 73 in their first innings and struggled again at 29 for three after following on, still trailing by 526 runs at stumps.