Abhishek Sharma Sets New Record with 22-Ball Fifty in T20I vs. New Zealand
In a remarkable display of skill, Abhishek Sharma set a new record for the fastest half-century in T20I cricket during the first match against New Zealand on Wednesday. He achieved this milestone in just 22 balls, marking a significant moment in his career and for the Indian cricket team. The match took place in Nagpur.
Abhishek Sharma’s Record-Breaking Performance
The left-handed opener, Abhishek Sharma, showcased his aggressive batting style, reaching a remarkable fifty with 4 fours and 4 sixes. This performance made him the first player to accumulate eight T20I half-centuries in 25 balls or fewer. Previously, he shared this record with notable players, including:
- Suryakumar Yadav
- Phil Salt
- Evin Lewis
Fastest T20I Half-Centuries
Here are the top players for the most half-centuries scored in 25 or fewer balls in T20Is:
| Player | Half-Centuries |
|---|---|
| Abhishek Sharma | 8 |
| Phil Salt | 7 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 7 |
| Evin Lewis | 7 |
Abhishek’s achievement also set a new record for the quickest half-century by an Indian player against New Zealand in T20Is, surpassing the previous records held by KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma, who made their fifties in 23 balls.
Match Context and Team Updates
The match saw New Zealand winning the toss and opting to bowl first. Pacer Kristian Clarke received his debut cap, while Ishan Kishan returned to the T20I side after some time. With Shubman Gill absent, Sanju Samson opened the innings alongside an impressive Abhishek Sharma.
Looking ahead, this series serves as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup commencing on February 7 in India and Sri Lanka. The Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, enters the tournament as the defending champions.
Captain Mitchell Santner acknowledged the challenge of playing in India, emphasizing the significance of this series for his team. “Every team knows how hard it is to come to India and win. But this is a fresh series, and they are a tough team in home conditions,” Santner commented.
With Abhishek Sharma’s new record, the Indian cricket team looks poised for a strong performance in the upcoming World Cup.
