Aneurin Donald admitted being surprised by his own achievements, after the teenager blasted 234 off 136 balls – the joint fastest double century in first-class cricket history – against Derbyshire at Colwyn Bay today.
Donald took the Derbyshire attack apart, smashing 26 fours and 15 sixes in a record-breaking knock, which inspired Glamorgan to 481/8 at the end of a breathtaking day.
The 19-year-old brought up a maiden first-class century off 80 balls, before hitting the accelerator and bringing up his double hundred just 43 balls later, smearing the ball to the fence with alarming regularity for the Derbyshire fielders.
Donald reached the 100, 150 and 200 milestones with maximums to cue memorable celebrations in front of Glamorgan's North Walian faithful at Colwyn Bay.
Afterwards, the Welshman admitted he hadn't realised quite how special his innings had been – equalling the record for the fastest 200 in huge partnerships with David Lloyd (worth 91) and Craig Meschede (130) before finally being caught on the long-off boundary by Billy Godleman off Will Davis.
“I was pleased because it has put the team in a strong position, and after a lean patch recently, I was delighted to get a big one," said Donald.
“I had no idea of the records that went, but it was especially pleasing to equal Ravi Shastri’s previous record, as he is also a former Glamorgan player."
The 19-year-old was modest, accepting that he'd ridden his luck to motor to the milestones, but reflected on a memorable day for himself and the team.
He added: "I'm extremely pleased. It's nice to get the guys into a strong position first and foremost, but nice to hit them so well and come out with a big score. I've been looking for one and finally it came, although I rode my luck at times.
"It was a good wicket, the bowlers were getting a bit tired and it's a small ground, so it's about making the most of it. I knew the highest score was here [Glamorgan's record of 309 not out by Steve James] so obviously there's a good history.
"It's a good place to be [in the six-hitting zone], you don't get there too often, you end up not thinking about it too much and it flows.
"You don't get too many days like this and it was nice to make the most of it. I didn't know [about the fastest all-time double-century] until I walked off. I would have tried to get it a bit earlier."
Glamorgan will resume on 481/8 tomorrow, with Meschede unbeaten on 54 not out.