India’s young batting sensation Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking knock in the opening T20I against New Zealand, rewriting the record books with an astonishing 22-ball half-century. The left-hander showcased fearless intent from the very first delivery, dismantling the New Zealand bowling attack with a combination of power and precision.
His innings featured a flurry of boundaries, including four fours and four towering sixes, as he reached his fifty at lightning speed and gave India a dream start at the top of the order.
With this knock, Abhishek Sharma etched his name into T20I history by becoming the first batter ever to score eight half-centuries in 25 balls or fewer in international T20 cricket. This remarkable feat pushed him ahead of elite names such as Suryakumar Yadav, Phil Salt, and Evin Lewis, all of whom previously shared the record with seven such fifties. The achievement underlined Sharma’s growing reputation as one of the most destructive openers in the shortest format and highlighted his ability to consistently dominate bowling attacks at the international level.
The innings was also significant from an Indian perspective, as it marked the fastest T20I half-century by an Indian batter against New Zealand. Abhishek’s 22-ball effort surpassed the earlier joint record of 23 balls held by KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma.
Batting first after New Zealand won the toss, India benefited immensely from Sharma’s explosive start, which put immediate pressure on the visitors and allowed the middle order to bat with freedom. His knock not only set the tone for the innings but also reinforced India’s aggressive approach in T20 cricket, where intent from the outset has become a defining feature.
Abhishek Sharma’s record-breaking performance served as a statement of intent ahead of a crucial phase in India’s T20 calendar, signaling that the next generation is ready to carry the mantle with confidence and flair.
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