Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scores third-fastest IPL ton during RR-SRH clash

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed a rapid 103 off 36 balls, the third fastest IPL century. Rajasthan Royals posted a massive 228 for six against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Sooryavanshi's explosive innings included 12 sixes. Dhruv Jurel also contributed a fifty. Rajasthan Royals secured a commanding total in the match. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi lit up the evening with a breathtaking 103 off 37 balls, smashing the third-fastest century in IPL history (36 balls) to power Rajasthan Royals to a commanding 228/6 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Saturday. The 15-year-old prodigy made the most of an early reprieve on 32, turning it into his second IPL hundred and first of the season, having already notched up three explosive fifties earlier. Showcasing a stunning range of strokes, Sooryavanshi combined brute power with impeccable timing, hammering 12 sixes and five fours in a sensational knock. He reached his century with a six off Sakib Hussain on his 36th delivery, registering the third-fastest ton in IPL history -- behind his own 35-ball hundred last season and Chris Gayle's iconic 30-ball effort for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2013. Sooryavanshi set the tone early, taking apart Praful Hinge in the opening over with four sixes, and never looked back. His aggressive start laid the foundation for RR's innings, including a rapid 40-run opening stand off just 14 balls. He then stitched together a crucial 112-run partnership for the second wicket with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed a fluent 51 off 35 balls, laced with eight fours and two sixes. Sooryavanshi's remarkable innings came to an end immediately after reaching his century, as he missed a scoop off Hussain and was trapped LBW. SRH had earlier struck by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (10), but a costly dropped catch by Aniket Reddy in the fifth over allowed Sooryavanshi to continue his assault. He raced to his half-century in just 15 balls, bringing it up with a six. Jurel also enjoyed a slice of luck, surviving two tough return chances dropped by Hussain. Donovan Ferreira provided a late flourish with a quickfire 33 off 16 balls, hitting three sixes and as many fours to further boost RR's total. Among SRH bowlers, skipper Pat Cummins stood out with figures of 4-0-27-1, picking up the wicket of his counterpart Riyan Parag (7).