Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest male cricketer to represent India, but his landmark debut ended in defeat as England secured a thrilling four-wicket victory in the second T20 International at Old Trafford.
At just 15 years and 99 days old, the opening batter eclipsed the long-standing record held by Sachin Tendulkar, who made his India debut in a Test against Pakistan at 16 years and 205 days in 1989.
While Sooryavanshi announced himself with a fearless 14 off 10 deliveries in India's total of 190-7, it was England's rising star Jacob Bethell who stole the show with a magnificent unbeaten 76 from 46 balls, guiding the hosts home with an over to spare and giving them a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Sooryavanshi's selection generated huge excitement around Old Trafford, with the lively crowd eager to witness one of cricket's brightest young talents.
The left-hander wasted little time making an impression. Facing England speedster Jofra Archer for the first time, he audaciously whipped his fourth ball over fine leg for six before launching Josh Tongue over cow corner for another towering maximum in the following over.
His entertaining knock ended in the fifth over when he charged at Will Jacks' flatter off-break, was beaten in flight and comfortably stumped.
India's innings was anchored by Ishan Kishan's 49, while Abhishek Sharma contributed 43 and captain Shreyas Iyer added 37. However, disciplined spells from Will Jacks and Sam Curran kept the visitors in check, with Curran finishing as England's standout bowler with figures of 3-33. Although India plundered 23 runs from the final seven deliveries, their total appeared competitive rather than commanding.
England's chase began shakily as they slipped to 2-1 in the opening over before captain Harry Brook ignited the recovery with a blistering 39 from just 15 balls.
Bethell then took control, sharing a crucial 67-run partnership with Tom Banton to steer England back into contention.
With 49 runs required from the final four overs, Bethell produced the decisive assault, smashing leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi for three sixes in a 29-run 17th over that swung the match firmly in England's favour.
Jofra Archer then calmly clipped the winning runs from the final ball of the 19th over, sealing a memorable victory and handing England the early advantage ahead of the third T20 at Trent Bridge on Tuesday.
