Guwahati: In the third T20 against New Zealand, India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma set the stage ablaze with a scintillating knock, scoring 68 off just 14 balls to guide India to a dominant win. Captain Suryakumar Yadav also impressed with 57 from 26 deliveries, as India chased down a target of 154 in a mere 10 overs, sealing a 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
Close to Yuvraj Singh’s Record
Sharma’s explosive innings nearly challenged the historic record of his mentor Yuvraj Singh, who holds the fastest T20I fifty in just 12 balls against England in 2007. Sharma fell just two deliveries short of matching the milestone. In a light-hearted exchange on X (formerly Twitter), Yuvraj congratulated his protégé with a playful note: “Still can’t get 50 in 12 balls, huh? Well played, stay strong!” The post has since gone viral, drawing reactions from fans worldwide.
Fastest T20I Fifties Around the World
- Yuvraj Singh (India): 12 balls vs England, 2007
- Jan Frilink (Namibia): 13 balls vs Zimbabwe, 2025
- Colin Munro (New Zealand): 14 balls vs Sri Lanka, 2016
- Abhishek Sharma (India): 14 balls vs New Zealand, 2026
Kiwi Team Overpowered
Earlier, New Zealand, batting first after losing the toss, could manage only 153/9 in 20 overs. Apart from Glenn Phillips’ 48, no other Kiwi batter could handle disciplined Indian bowling. Sharma and Yadav’s partnership left New Zealand with no chance of a comeback, as India secured a comprehensive victory.
A Bright Signal Ahead of T20 World Cup
Sharma’s fiery innings sends a strong message about India’s future prospects in T20 cricket and boosts the team management’s confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. With Yadav scoring his second consecutive half-century, India’s middle order appears in formidable form, making them strong contenders for the upcoming tournament.
Discover more from SD NEWS agency
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.