First-ever batter in T20I history: Abhishek races past SKY, Phil Salt to set new record

Indian opener Abhishek Sharma produced a sensational knock to shatter a major T20I record during the first match against New Zealand in Nagpur on Wednesday. The left-hander smashed a blistering half-century off just 22 balls, the fastest by an Indian against New Zealand in the format, surpassing the previous joint record of 23 balls held by KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. Playing with his trademark attacking flair, Abhishek dominated the New Zealand bowling attack from the outset, reaching his fifty with four fours and four sixes.

With this innings, Abhishek created history by becoming the first batter in T20 internationals to score eight half-centuries in 25 balls or fewer. He moved ahead of Phil Salt, Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis, who are all tied with seven such fifties.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl, handing pacer Kristian Clarke his T20I debut. India made notable changes, with Ishan Kishan returning to the T20I side for the first time since 2023, while Sanju Samson opened alongside Abhishek Sharma after Shubman Gill was left out.

The series serves as preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup, beginning February 7 in India and Sri Lanka, where Suryakumar Yadav’s side will defend their title. (With inputs from Agencies)