Akash Choudhary joins Sobers, Shastri, hits eight consecutive sixes, smashes fastest fifty in First-Class Cricket
By Our Reporter
Shillong, Nov 9: Meghalaya’s Akash Kumar Choudhary etched his name in cricketing folklore on Sunday, becoming the first-ever player to hit eight consecutive sixes in First-Class cricket, while also notching up the fastest half-century in the format’s history—off just 11 deliveries. The explosive knock came during the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 Plate Group match against Arunachal Pradesh at the CK Pithawala Ground in Surat.
Batting at No. 8, the 25-year-old all-rounder turned the game into a personal spectacle as he bludgeoned the Arunachal bowlers to all corners of the park. He remained unbeaten on 50 off 14 balls, propelling Meghalaya to a colossal first-innings total of 628 for six declared. His record-breaking blitz surpassed the previous mark set by Leicestershire’s Wayne White, who scored a fifty in 12 balls against Essex back in 2012.
Choudhary also joined an elite club of cricketing legends—Sir Garfield Sobers and Ravi Shastri—by hitting six sixes in a single over, before going one better to register eight in succession.
Sobers achieved the feat in 1968 while playing for Nottinghamshire against Glamorgan, while Shastri replicated it in the Ranji Trophy for Bombay against Baroda in 1985.
Meghalaya were already cruising at 576 for six when Choudhary walked out to bat. After starting cautiously with a dot ball and a couple of singles, he unleashed sheer carnage, hammering Limar Dabi for six consecutive sixes in the 126th over, followed by two more in the next over to complete his fifty in breathtaking fashion.
Before this innings, Choudhary’s First-Class career numbers were modest—an average of just 14.37 with two fifties from 30 matches, including appearances in this year’s Duleep Trophy for the North East Zone.
He has also represented Meghalaya in 28 List-A and 20 T20 matches.
Speaking exclusively to The Shillong Times over the phone, Choudhary said he was merely playing according to the situation and had no idea he was on the verge of creating history.
“While batting, I didn’t know about the record. I just went with the flow as the ball was coming nicely onto the bat. My main focus was to help the team score as many runs as possible. I always look to play according to the match situation, and I’m obviously very happy to have achieved this feat,” he said.
Reflecting on the game, the confident right-hander expressed optimism about Meghalaya’s victory chances, adding that the pitch was beginning to assist bowlers later in the day.
“The pitch looked good for batting early on, but it started to open up for bowlers as the day progressed. I’m confident our bowlers will secure a memorable victory for Meghalaya. We are in a strong position to win,” he added.
The records did not stop there for Meghalaya. Top-order batters Arpit Bhatewara (207 off 273 balls) and Kishan Lyngdoh (119 off 187) continued their stellar form, both scoring heavily for the second consecutive match after similar heroics against Sikkim in Shillong last month.
Guest professional Rahul Dala also rediscovered form with a blistering 144 off 102 deliveries, peppered with 12 fours and nine sixes.
Arunachal Pradesh, in response, were bundled out for 73 in their first innings and struggled again after being forced to follow on, limping to 29 for three at stumps, still trailing by a massive 526 runs. Meghalaya’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Aryan Borah (4/16) leading the attack, supported by Dippu Sangma (2/16) and debutant Aaron AR Nongrum (2/28). Choudhary also chipped in with wickets in both innings, showcasing his all-round ability.
Meghalaya Cricket Association (MCA) President Nababrata Bhattacharjee hailed Choudhary’s historic feat, recalling his rise through the ranks of state cricket.
“We saw his potential as a young cricketer and have always encouraged him. He is a no-nonsense player, completely devoted to the game.
Whatever the opposition, hitting six sixes in an over is no easy task, and Akash deserves every bit of praise,” Bhattacharjee said.
Congratulatory messages poured in from across the state, including from MCA Honorary Secretary Rayonald Kharkamni, the Shillong Cricket Association, and even Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, who lauded the achievement as a proud moment for Meghalaya cricket.
With this record-breaking innings, Akash Choudhary has not only given Meghalaya cricket one of its most glorious moments but has also ensured that his name will be remembered alongside some of the greatest power hitters to have graced the game.
