Guwahati: In a breathtaking display of power-hitting, Abhishek Sharma nearly eclipsed Yuvraj Singh's long-standing record for the fastest fifty by an Indian in T20Is during the third T20I against New Zealand in Guwahati on Sunday. Sharma's blistering knock of 68 off just 20 balls propelled India to a dominant eight-wicket victory, sealing the five-match series 3-0.
Chasing a target of 154, India got off to a shaky start, losing Sanju Samson for a golden duck on the very first ball. However, Abhishek Sharma, along with Ishan Kishan, launched a counter-attack, displaying aggressive intent from the outset. Sharma, in particular, was in sublime form, smashing boundaries at will.
The left-handed opener reached his half-century in a mere 14 balls, studded with four sixes and five fours. This feat marked the second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, narrowly missing Yuvraj Singh's record of 12 balls set against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup. It also broke Hardik Pandya's previous record of a 16-ball half-century.
Sharma's explosive innings put the New Zealand bowlers under immense pressure. He combined raw power with intelligent placement, dispatching short deliveries with authority and lofting full balls with ease. His incredible strike rate of 340 was a testament to his dominance at the crease.
After reaching his fifty, Sharma continued his onslaught, eventually finishing with an unbeaten 68 off 20 balls. His innings included seven fours and five sixes, leaving the New Zealand bowlers clueless. Suryakumar Yadav, who remained not out on 57 off 26 balls, provided excellent support, ensuring India reached the target in just 10 overs.
"That's what my team wants from me," Sharma said after the match, adding, "it's not easy to do it every time, but I think it's all about mental as well and the atmosphere you get around your dressing room as well". When asked about the possibility of breaking Yuvraj Singh's record, Sharma said that it’s nearly impossible, but "you never know".
Yuvraj Singh himself reacted to Sharma's innings with a touch of humor, posting on his Instagram story, "Still can't get a 50 off 12 balls, can you? Well played- keep going strong! @abhisheksharma_4".
India's convincing victory not only sealed the series but also served as a statement of intent ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup. The performance of Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav has undoubtedly bolstered India's confidence as they aim to conquer the world stage. Jasprit Bumrah was named Player of the Match for his contribution of taking 3 wickets for 17 runs. Suryakumar Yadav recalled that the freedom he received during his school days played a big role in shaping his cricket.
