Almost Yuvraj-level! Abhishek Sharma smashes historic 14-ball fifty

Guwahati: Abhishek Sharma produced a breathtaking display of power-hitting during the third T20I between India and New Zealand at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Sunday, rewriting record books with one of the fastest fifties in T20I history.

Chasing a target of 154, India lost Sanju Samson on the very first ball of the innings when Matt Henry struck early. However, Abhishek counter-attacked immediately, putting New Zealand’s bowlers under severe pressure from the outset. Batting with remarkable intent, the left-hander raced to his half-century in just 14 deliveries, striking five fours and nine sixes in the process.

The milestone made Abhishek the fastest batter to score a T20I fifty against New Zealand and the second-fastest Indian to reach the mark in international T20 cricket. He narrowly missed equalling his mentor Yuvraj Singh’s iconic 12-ball fifty against England during the 2007 T20 World Cup, falling short by just two deliveries.

Abhishek added quick runs alongside Ishan Kishan, who scored 28 off 12 balls, before continuing the assault with captain Suryakumar Yadav after Kishan’s dismissal. His innings ensured India remained firmly in control of the chase despite the early setback.

Yuvraj Singh continues to hold the record for the fastest T20I fifty by an Indian, achieved in 12 balls against England in Durban in 2007. Hardik Pandya follows Abhishek on the list with a 16-ball half-century against South Africa in 2025.

Abhishek Sharma’s knock further underlined his growing reputation as one of India’s most explosive T20 batters, adding another historic moment to India’s modern white-ball cricket era.

Match is on going...