Vaibhav Sooryavanshi believes his maiden record-setting international half-century has given him the confidence he needs after a difficult start to life in international cricket. The 15-year-old announced his arrival in style by smashing an 18-ball fifty against Zimbabwe in the opening T20I in Harare on Thursday, becoming the youngest player to score a half-century in men’s international cricket. The strike marked a dramatic turnaround for the teenage opener, who had endured a disappointing debut series against England. Sooryavanshi managed just 42 runs in his first three T20I innings, scoring 14 off 10 balls, 13 off five deliveries and 15 off 10 balls. After helping India secure a seven-wicket win over Zimbabwe and a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Sooryavanshi said the innings would play a key role in boosting his self-belief at the start of his international tour. “When you are in the initial phase of your career, and you have such an innings at the beginning, you have confidence for the next matches. I feel like I am in my zone and I have supported my strength,” said Sooryavanshi in a video released by the BCCI. At 15 years and 118 days, Sooryavanshi eclipsed a long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar. The Indian batting legend was 16 years and 213 days old when he scored his maiden international fifty against Pakistan in the Faisalabad Test in 1989. Harare became a particularly memorable place for the young man. Earlier this year, he lit up the same ground with a breathtaking 175 from 80 balls against England in the final of the 2026 Under-19 World Cup. Months later, he returned to the place to produce another innings that underlined his immense potential. Despite the success in Harare, Sooryavanshi insisted he is not taking any place or opportunity for granted and remains focused on making meaningful contributions wherever he plays. “There are some grounds where you like to run. I don’t take it for granted. I just try to play where I can, give my best, contribute to the team and do well,” he said. The teenager also acknowledged the role played by those who supported him throughout his ascent, dedicating the stage to his family and his coaches. “I will dedicate myself to my family, to my coaches, to all those who have supported me on my journey,” he concluded. Sooryavanshi’s explosive knock laid the foundation for India’s comfortable chase of Zimbabwe 125 for seven, with the visitors sealing victory by seven wickets and taking an early lead in the three-match T20I series.