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Abhishek Sharma's 14-ball fifty blitz powers India to T20I win over New Zealand

Abhishek Sharma smashed a 14-ball half-century, the second-fastest by an Indian in T20Is, to propel India to a commanding eight-wicket victory over New Zealand. His unbeaten 68 off just 20 deliveries anchored the chase of 154, with India racing to 94/2 in the powerplay. After the match, Abhishek humbly stated that while breaking Yuvraj Singh's iconic 12-ball record seems impossible, "you never know." His explosive innings reinforces his status as a key power-hitter in India's T20 setup ahead of the World Cup.

Key Points: Abhishek Sharma slams record 14-ball fifty in India's T20I win

  • 14-ball fifty is second-fastest by Indian
  • India wins by 8 wickets chasing 154
  • Abhishek finishes 68* off 20 balls
  • Credits team atmosphere for performance
3 min read

3rd T20I: 'Impossible to break Yuvraj's record but you never know,' says Abhishek after slamming record fifty for India

Abhishek Sharma hits second-fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, scoring 68* off 20 balls to lead India to an 8-wicket victory against New Zealand.

"That's more than impossible for anyone (to break Yuvraj's record), but still, you never know. - Abhishek Sharma"

Guwahati, Jan 25

Explosive Team India opener Abhishek Sharma smashed the second-fastest T20I half-century ever by an Indian, reaching the mark in just 14 balls during the third T20I against New Zealand here at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Sunday as India clinched a thumping victory riding on the youngster's power-hitting prowess.

Abhishek's blistering innings featured five fours and four sixes, eclipsing the previous record held by Hardik Pandya, who had registered a 16-ball fifty for India in T20Is. The fastest fifty by an Indian in T20 cricket remains Yuvraj Singh's 12-ball blitz against England in 2007, a knock that has gone down in T20I history.

Chasing 154, India raced to 94/2 in the powerplay, largely thanks to Abhishek's fiery knock. The 25-year-old remained unbeaten on 68 off just 20 deliveries, guiding India to a commanding eight-wicket victory and reinforcing his status as one of the team's most explosive batting talents.

Speaking about his remarkable innings, Abhishek said after the match, "That's what my team wants from me and I just want to execute all the time. But obviously, 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. That's more than impossible for anyone (to break Yuvraj's fastest T20 fifty record), but still, you never know. Any batsman could do it because I think all the batters have been batting really well in this series as well and going forward, it's going to be fun."

On hitting a six off the first ball again, he added, "I wouldn't say it's like I want to go from the first ball. It's just the instinct I get in between the wickets. I think about the bowler if he wants to get out on my first ball, then what he could bowl to me and that's always there in my mind and I just want to play on that ball."

Explaining his innovative footwork, Abhishek stated, "If you see that, that's all about the field placement because I never step out to the leg-side if I don't get fielding on ... there's a leg side, because if I get room for myself, then I have the whole ground off-side for me. So, that's always in my mind. I just want to play with the field."

Abhishek's dazzling display not only helped India seal a dominant win but also announced him as a rising force in the team's T20 setup ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
So happy for Abhishek! He's worked so hard in domestic cricket and IPL. His humility is refreshing too - acknowledging Yuvi Paaji's record is untouchable but still aiming high. That's the right attitude. More power to you! 🇮🇳
R
Rohit P
Great knock, no doubt. But let's not get carried away by one innings. Consistency is key at the international level. Hope the team management gives him a long rope and he doesn't become another flash in the pan. Fingers crossed for the World Cup.
S
Sarah B
Watching from the UK, this was spectacular entertainment! The power and the timing were just wow. The way he talked about playing with the field placements shows a very smart cricketing brain. India's T20 batting depth is scary for other teams.
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Vikram M
Yuvi's 12-ball 50 was pure magic in a World Cup. Abhishek's knock was brilliant, but that context was different. Still, to come this close shows the talent pool we have. The competition for opening slots is insane! Good problem to have for selectors.
K
Karthik V
His footwork explanation was so insightful! Not just a power-hitter, but a thinker. This is modern T20 batting - aggressive yet calculated. Hope he keeps this form for the big tournaments ahead. The six off the first ball sets such a tone for the innings.

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