In a dazzling display of power-hitting at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Indian opener Abhishek Sharma rewrote the record books on Sunday during the third T20I against New Zealand. The 25-year-old smashed his way to a half-century off just 14 balls, securing his place as the second-fastest Indian to achieve this feat in T20 internationals.
Sharma’s explosive knock remained unbeaten at 68 runs from 20 balls, featuring seven boundaries and five towering sixes. He forged a brisk 53-run stand for the second wicket with Ishan Kishan in a mere 19 balls, before accelerating alongside captain Suryakumar Yadav for an unbroken 102-run partnership off 40 deliveries for the third wicket. This performance not only powered India to a comfortable victory but also highlighted Sharma’s rising stardom in limited-overs cricket.
The list of quickest T20I fifties against full-member teams sees Yuvraj Singh at the top, with his iconic 14-ball effort against England in 2007. Among overseas players, John Frylinck holds the record with 13 balls, followed by Colin Munro on 14. Sharma’s consistency shines brighter: he now leads the charts for most T20I fifties in 25 balls or fewer, with nine such innings, edging out Suryakumar Yadav’s eight.
Earlier, New Zealand, batting first after losing the toss, stumbled to 153 for nine. Glenn Phillips top-scored with 48, supported by Mark Chapman’s 32. India’s bowlers struck early and often, led by Jasprit Bumrah’s haul of three for 17. Hardik Pandya and Ravi Bishnoi claimed two wickets apiece, setting a chase that India mastered in just 10 overs.
Abhishek’s unbeaten 68 set the tone, with Suryakumar blasting 57 not out off 26 balls and Kishan adding 28. This emphatic win underscores India’s dominance in the series and cements Abhishek Sharma as a cornerstone of their T20 future.
